Used 2021 Buick Encore GX for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 11.44% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,070 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used examples to compare.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its stylish design, great features, and surprising acceleration. The user feedback also points to a spacious interior and a strong set of standard safety features, which help its everyday appeal.

On the downside, the expert review calls out poor ride quality and fairly pedestrian performance, and it also says the model is not especially strong on value for money. That makes it a better fit if you want a compact SUV with a more upscale feel, easy-to-use tech, and comfort-oriented daily use rather than a standout driving experience.

Good and great deals account for 35.4% of listings, so you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights the Encore GX as stylish, feature-rich, and enjoyable in daily use, while also pointing to concerns about brake issues that affect confidence in long-term ownership. The expert review describes the powertrain as adequate for freeway cruising and notes that the turbocharged setup helps the SUV feel sprightly around town.

Buick also includes a Tire Fill Alert system, which can make routine upkeep a little easier. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that reported reliability concerns may matter more than the vehicle’s strong comfort and tech appeal.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, since accident-free status does not tell you everything about prior use or maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the ride quality, brake feel, and any signs that the tech features or driver-assistance systems are not working as intended. It also makes sense to pay close attention to cabin condition and overall refinement, since those are central to the Encore GX’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes Preferred, Select, and Essence, with the Sport Touring appearance package available on all three. Base Preferred is the one to watch for feature gaps, since blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional there but standard on Select and Essence.
• Powertrain: A turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder is standard, and a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder is also available. The larger engine brings more power and torque, while front-wheel-drive models use a CVT and all-wheel-drive models use a nine-speed automatic.
• Safety package: Buick Driver Confidence is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch touchscreen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2021. It also includes Bluetooth for two devices, Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and available navigation, voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L, surround-view camera tech, and wireless charging.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert review says the Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg on its testing loop.

Which 2021 Buick Encore GX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is offered in 3 trim levels: Preferred, Select, Essence.

Here's the short version:

• Preferred: This is the entry point, and it makes sense if you want the lowest starting price and are comfortable with the standard equipment. It is the trim where blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is still optional, so it is the one to scrutinize most closely for feature gaps.
• Select: This is the best-value choice for most shoppers because it adds more of the equipment you are likely to want without moving all the way to the top trim. It also makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard, which improves everyday convenience and confidence.
• Essence: This is the most upscale version and is the one to choose if you want the fullest feature set and the most premium feel. It is also the trim used for the more advanced infotainment and convenience content described in the review.

Safety-package note: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,070 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.44% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,248, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Buick Encore GX's resale value?

The current average of $16,248 sits slightly below last year's $18,346.

That price movement suggests the Encore GX has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the current range, you may reduce the amount of value left to lose over your ownership period. Strong demand for well-kept examples should help, but the model’s value story still depends heavily on condition and equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX safe?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard equipment and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence, while adaptive cruise control is also available.

The expert review also notes that the lane-keeping assist can feel unnatural in operation, even though it is effective. That means the safety tech is broad and useful, but you should still test the systems yourself during a drive.

Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore GX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.44% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $15,736, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,248 average.
• It offers more interior space and more powerful engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,806, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,248 average.
• It adds wireless smartphone integration and remains a carryover with only minor changes.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the best balance of price, tech, and available inventory. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look for its lower average price, while the 2022 makes sense only if you want to pay more for a newer example with similar fundamentals.

How does the 2021 Buick Encore GX compare to the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Buick Encore GX:

• Pros: Fuel-efficient, Easy-to-use technology, Quiet cabin.
• Cons: Poor ride quality, Fairly pedestrian performance, Poor value for money.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer:

• Pros: Stylish design, Great handling, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Uncomfortable seats, Underwhelming base engine, Not much cargo space.

Our experts score the 2021 Buick Encore GX 6.3/10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer 7.7/10. The Buick leans more toward comfort and quietness, while the Trailblazer is the more engaging choice to drive. Both offer easy-to-use technology, but the Buick’s poor ride quality and weak value case make it harder to recommend if driving enjoyment matters to you.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.