“Love the Encore GX. Gas mileage is great and the ride is nice. It has many standard features.”
2021 Buick Encore GX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The key change for the 2021 Buick Encore GX is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update with no redesign or model-wide powertrain, safety, or chassis change.
About the 2021 Buick Encore GX
1st generation Encore GX (2020-2023), second model year before the 2024 refresh.
Buick positions the Encore GX as a small SUV for drivers who want city-friendly size without giving up a quieter cabin, flexible cargo space, and a more polished feel than many mainstream subcompact SUVs. The core appeal is everyday ease: easy phone integration, standard safety tech, clever seat-folding versatility, and Buick’s emphasis on a calm, comfortable ride rather than sporty performance.
Preferred is the straightforward daily-use trim, with a standard safety suite, active noise cancellation, and flexible folding seats. Select steps up the comfort with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and blind-spot monitoring. Essence is the more upscale version, with leather-appointed seats, LED lighting, and an air ionizer.
What changed, by category
Tech
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto became standard on Preferred, Select, and Essence. Satellite radio also moved from optional to standard on Preferred.
Styling
Alloy wheels changed from standard to optional on Select.
2021 Buick Encore GX specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter / 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter / 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter | 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.2 Liter / 3-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.3 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28–30 mpg | 28–30 mpg | 28–30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–32 mpg | 31–32 mpg | 31–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 137–155 hp | 137–155 hp | 137–155 hp |
| Torque | 162–174 lb-ft | 162–174 lb-ft | 162–174 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 50.2 cu-ft | 50.2 cu-ft | 50.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36 in | 36 in | 36 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Buick Encore GX compared with the 2020 model?
The main change is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto on every 2021 Encore GX trim. Preferred also gained standard satellite radio, while alloy wheels changed from standard to optional on Select.
Was the 2021 Buick Encore GX redesigned?
No, the 2021 Buick Encore GX was not redesigned. It was the second model year of the original generation, with no broad exterior, chassis, or body-structure update.
Which 2021 Buick Encore GX trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Every 2021 Encore GX trim has wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard equipment. That includes Preferred, Select, and Essence.
Did the engines or safety features change for the 2021 Buick Encore GX?
No model-wide engine, transmission, or safety-suite change arrived for 2021. The existing Buick Driver Confidence safety suite continued as standard equipment.
Which 2021 Buick Encore GX trims have heated front seats?
Select and Essence have heated front seats for 2021. Preferred focuses on the basics and does not list heated front seats among its standard features.
2021 Buick Encore GX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Buick Encore GX.
4.2
2021 Buick Encore GX
(133 reviews)
“Be sure to note the passenger seat is not automatic - only the driver's seat. The passenger seat is not comfortable for long trips.”
“Ideally the Encore GX will someday have an option for a small, fold-down 3rd row for my pets.”