2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Buick Encore GX
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Buick Encore GX is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Sienna scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Sienna is the clear choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and technology, making it a better option for families and those seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Sienna if:
- You need a versatile minivan with excellent fuel economy.
- You require ample cargo space and flexible seating arrangements.
- You prioritize advanced safety features and family-friendly technology.
Choose the 2021 Buick Encore GX if:
- You prefer a stylish, compact SUV with a high seating position.
- You value a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless connectivity.
- You are a current GM customer looking for significant discounts.
Overview | |
MSRP$24,200 | MSRP$34,460 |
Average price$20,169 | Average price$39,432 |
Listings1220 | Listings861 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Buick Encore GX Reviews SummaryBuick should have named this SUV the Enigma. It would fit with Buick family monikers including Encore, Envision, and Enclave, and it would describe the genuine confusion surrounding the small SUV, which debuted last year. Of course, the confusion is due in part to its actual name, which is Encore GX. Larger, more powerful, and better looking than the standard Encore, the Encore GX sounds like it’s nothing more than a new trim level for an existing model. But it’s a totally different vehicle from the Encore. And, strangely, it has a lower base price than the smaller and older Encore. See? Quite the enigma. | |
2021 Toyota Sienna Reviews SummaryToyota’s minivan got a major makeover for 2021, now entering its fourth generation of production since debuting as a 1997 model. For the first time, the Sienna gets a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, and not only that—it’s standard equipment. The Sienna Hybrid is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform, shared with the Highlander and other current Toyota models. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine2.5L 245 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.9 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City36 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine Name2.5L 245 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.9 kWh |
MPG City28 | MPG City36 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.5 cu ft | Cargo Space33.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3025 lbs | Curb Weight4610 lbs |
Height64.1 in | Height68.5 in |
Length171.4 in | Length203.7 in |
Width71.4 in | Width78.5 in |
Wheelbase102.2 in | Wheelbase120.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1560 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Buick Encore GX is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Sienna scores 8.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Sienna is the clear choice, offering superior performance, functionality, and technology, making it a better option for families and those seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Sienna if:
Shop Now- You need a versatile minivan with excellent fuel economy.
- You require ample cargo space and flexible seating arrangements.
- You prioritize advanced safety features and family-friendly technology.
Choose the 2021 Buick Encore GX if:
Shop Now- You prefer a stylish, compact SUV with a high seating position.
- You value a user-friendly infotainment system with wireless connectivity.
- You are a current GM customer looking for significant discounts.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,200 | $34,460 |
Average price | $20,169 | $39,432 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 6.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Buick should have named this SUV the Enigma. It would fit with Buick family monikers including Encore, Envision, and Enclave, and it would describe the genuine confusion surrounding the small SUV, which debuted last year. Of course, the confusion is due in part to its actual name, which is Encore GX. Larger, more powerful, and better looking than the standard Encore, the Encore GX sounds like it’s nothing more than a new trim level for an existing model. But it’s a totally different vehicle from the Encore. And, strangely, it has a lower base price than the smaller and older Encore. See? Quite the enigma. | Toyota’s minivan got a major makeover for 2021, now entering its fourth generation of production since debuting as a 1997 model. For the first time, the Sienna gets a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, and not only that—it’s standard equipment. The Sienna Hybrid is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform, shared with the Highlander and other current Toyota models. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 2.5L 245 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 1.9 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 36 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 2.5L 245 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 1.9 kWh | |
MPG City | 28 | 36 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.5 cu ft | 33.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3025 lbs | 4610 lbs |
Height | 64.1 in | 68.5 in |
Length | 171.4 in | 203.7 in |
Width | 71.4 in | 78.5 in |
Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 120.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1560 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, a significant improvement over the original Encore, which had been humorously nicknamed “the shoe” by GM insiders. The Encore GX came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines on offer. The test model featured the Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, but without AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior quality was typical for the small SUV segment, but the design had some flaws, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD).
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan’s image with a more SUV-like appearance. It featured a wide grille, sleek LED headlamps, and a sculpted body with reworked sliding side doors. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches added to its assertive stance. The interior emphasized width with horizontal lines and a higher seating position than a sedan, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls on the upper part of the center stack. The center console was practical, with multiple cupholders and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine was available with both FWD and AWD. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite the turbocharged engines, the Encore GX’s performance was described as adequate, with a ride quality that felt brittle over rough roads and bouncy over bumps. The vehicle averaged 28.2 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, which prioritized fuel efficiency over throttle response. The Sienna’s handling was improved with new front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension, providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll. The Sienna Hybrid achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined for FWD models, and 35/36/35 mpg for AWD models.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position and supportive front seats, with power adjustments and heating features. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a low, flat cushion. The trunk provided 23.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid excelled in convenience and functionality. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that folded into the floor, and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin had ample storage, with 16 cupholders and multiple cubby spaces. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly placed under the front seats, preserving cargo space.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available, but the test car lacked the optional Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response and intuitive controls.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came standard with a nine-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, Service Connect, and AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers, Dynamic Navigation, and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch HUD available on Platinum models. The Sienna also featured a digital rearview mirror and a Smart Key System on higher trims.
The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, with adaptive cruise control available. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but had not been tested by the IIHS.
The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Sienna also had the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 model were not yet available, but the 2020 Sienna received high marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA.
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