2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

One of the standout features of the 2021 Buick Encore GX was its impressive styling. Unlike the original Encore, which GM insiders dubbed “the shoe” due to its awkward proportions when it debuted in 2013, the Encore GX showcased refined and satisfying lines and proportions. This SUV came in three trim levels: base Preferred, mid-grade Select, and top-shelf Essence. For those desiring a sportier appearance, the Sport Touring (ST) option package was available across all trim levels.

Buyers had the choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine options included a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder for the FWD models and a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder available with both FWD and AWD. Prices ranged from $24,200 for the Preferred FWD with the smaller engine to $30,600 for the Essence AWD with the larger engine. The test model was equipped with Essence trim, a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, but no AWD, and included additional features such as premium paint, a power hands-free liftgate, and three option packages: Advanced Technology, Experience Buick, and Convenience. The MSRP totaled $35,065, including a $995 destination charge.

Despite the high sticker price, Buick offered significant discounts for existing General Motors customers, and appealing lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior was typical for the small SUV segment, with quality materials but some drawbacks. Analog gauges were hard to read and awkwardly placed, while the HUD vibrated on rough roads, diminishing the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the glory days of Buick with its big, impressive design. After a period of struggles, Buick re-emerged with models like the Enclave, which connected the brand to its prestigious past and current consumer preferences for large SUVs. The Enclave was the largest among Buick’s four SUVs, including the smaller Encore, Encore GX, and Envision.

Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave’s prices ranged from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000, including a $1,195 destination charge. Competing with more expensive three-row SUVs from mainstream manufacturers and entry-level luxury models, the Enclave offered a visually appealing package. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with a unique grille, additional brightwork, and 20-inch polished wheels.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir’s design included organic forms, minimalist instrumentation, and tasteful polished accents. Soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats conveyed luxury, though the wood trim was faux. The uncomplicated interior, apart from a fussy electronic transmission shifter that was easy to get used to, provided comfort and style.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX’s turbocharged engines contributed to its spirited performance. The base 1.2-liter three-cylinder generated 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. Preferred trim buyers opting for AWD had to upgrade to the 1.3-liter engine, which produced 155 hp at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at a remarkably low 1,600 rpm.

Even with the 1.3-liter engine, the driving experience was best described as adequate, sufficient for freeway merging and cruising at 80 mph. The FWD models experienced mild torque steer, while the CVT seamlessly handled power delivery. AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a Watt’s linkage rear suspension for better handling than the FWD’s solid rear-axle setup.

However, the FWD model's ride quality felt inconsistent, with brittleness over rough urban roads and bounciness over uneven surfaces. Despite Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet. On winding back roads in California, the Encore GX’s compact size, engine torque, controlled body roll, and decent tire grip were well-suited. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA’s highway estimate of 31 mpg.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a straightforward yet potent setup. Every Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave came in FWD and AWD configurations. Properly equipped, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The V6’s torque peak provided strong acceleration, and the Enclave’s handling was reminiscent of smaller SUVs despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth and timely shifts. The FWD version tested briefly spun its tires before traction control intervened, maintaining the vehicle’s composed demeanor.

The Avenir Technology Package, valued for its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and advanced safety features, significantly enhanced the ride quality across varied terrains. The suspension provided a plush, comfortable ride, adept at absorbing bumps and maintaining stability. During testing, the Enclave averaged 21.2 mpg, slightly exceeding the EPA’s combined rating of 21 mpg. With a 21.7-gallon tank, it could travel nearly 460 miles on a full tank.

The Encore GX’s seating position was high, with the supportive front seats cushioning long journeys. Despite lacking lateral bolstering, the test model’s 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and heated front seats and steering wheel offered comfort. The padding in common armrest areas added to the comfort level.

In contrast, the back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers who found the space cramped. The rear seats lacked significant thigh support and rear air conditioning vents.

Interior storage in the Encore GX was efficient. The trunk offered 23.5 cubic feet of space, including underfloor storage and additional cubby holes. With the back seats folded down, cargo volume expanded to 50.2 cubic feet. The fold-flat front passenger seat allowed for the transportation of long items, enhancing the vehicle’s practicality.

The Enclave was significantly larger, providing ample space and comfort for up to seven passengers. Buick’s QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass ensured a serene cabin environment. The Avenir trim featured luxurious 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation, wrapped in soft leather. The power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel offered additional comfort features.

The center console was elegantly designed, providing substantial storage. The Enclave’s cavernous interior offered generous second and third-row accommodations. Second-row captain’s chairs and a sizable third-row bench made entry and exit easy. The Enclave’s triple-zone climate control kept passengers comfortable, with heated second-row seats as highlights in the Avenir.

Cargo space was another area where the Enclave excelled. With 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row stowed, it outclassed the Encore GX in carrying capacity.

The Encore GX Essence featured a comprehensive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Enhanced by Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and intuitive steering wheel controls, it provided robust functionality.

The test vehicle’s Advanced Technology Package added navigation, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was another convenient feature in the optional Convenience Package. Despite these features, the absence of the premium 7-speaker Bose sound system was notable.

Overall, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses, clear voice recognition, and an intuitive interface, making it a top-notch system.

The Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations with swift responsiveness, voice recognition, and a straightforward interface. Standard features across all trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot with USB ports in all three rows.

However, the Enclave’s system lagged behind competitors in screen size, smart home integration, and high-end audio. The Avenir’s 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and while it included navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera, it lacked Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose system was underwhelming compared to rivals’ offerings.

A notable tech feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed, enhancing rear visibility.

The Encore GX came with the Buick Driver Confidence suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from Select trim upwards, and adaptive cruise control was available.

The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology, providing usage reports, tire pressure monitoring, and automatic collision notification with an active subscription. However, the adaptive cruise control had limitations, such as a stop-and-go function that required manual reactivation after a few seconds and imprecise distance management settings.

The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS had not evaluated it.

The Enclave faced challenges in offering standard safety features. While the systems performed well, many were reserved for higher trims. For instance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required at least the Essence trim, and the Driver Confidence Plus Package, with advanced safety features, was standard only on Premium and Avenir trims.

To access highway-ready adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking, buyers needed the Avenir with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave did not offer lane-centering assistance or self-parking functions and lacked GM’s Super Cruise system.

In collision tests, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for front passenger protection. The IIHS rated it well but didn’t grant a Top Safety Pick status due to Marginal headlight performance.