2021 Buick Encore Trim Levels

If you’re looking for a highly dependable subcompact SUV, you may want to consider getting the 2021 Buick Encore. Besides having an excellent predicted reliability rating, this small crossover also offers a smooth ride, a refined cabin, and plenty of tech features. It comes in only the base and Preferred trim levels to make choosing easier. Check out this comprehensive guide to determine which Buick Encore trim is a better option for you.

Image via Flickr by rkfotos

2021 Buick Encore Base Model

The base trim level of the 2021 Buick Encore is basically similar to the top-level Preferred, except that it comes with fewer features and options. The following is a look at the most notable aspects of this small SUV:

Styling

The new Buick Encore distinguishes itself from other subcompact SUVs with its upscale styling and athletic stance. From the front, this crossover looks sleek and elegant with its downward-sloping hood, steeply raked windshield, and a nicely proportioned grille with delicate chrome detailing. Additionally, it has a muscular side profile that features an upward-sweeping belt-line, deeply sculpted panels, and pronounced rear haunches. The rear wraparound windshield rounds out the SUV’s sporty appearance. While it doesn’t make a bold statement on the road, the Encore is definitely an eye-pleaser.

Performance

The sole engine of the 2021 Buick Encore is a 1.4-liter turbo-four that produces 138 horsepower. Working with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, it delivers sufficient power to move the small SUV around town and on the highway. With this engine, the SUV can reach a top speed of 120 mph and sprint from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

One of the highlights of the Buick Encore is its smooth handling. Equipped with a well-tuned suspension, this crossover does a good job of soaking up jolts and vibrations on rough surfaces, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. Also, its small size enables it to easily negotiate traffic jams and parking lots in the city, while its agility makes it fun to drive along winding roads. Overall, the Encore makes you feel like you’re driving a car rather than an SUV.

Fuel Economy

The Buick Encore delivers relatively good fuel efficiency for its class. When it’s fitted with front-wheel drive, it has a fuel-economy rating of 25/30 mpg (city/highway).

Interior

The 2021 Buick Encore has a seating capacity of five. However, similar to other subcompact SUVs, it can comfortably accommodate only four adults. The seats in this SUV provide adequate cushioning and support to keep you relaxed on long drives. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road, while the standard six-way power driver’s seat makes it easy for you to find the right driving position. You’ll also enjoy a quiet ride in this crossover, thanks to its QuietTuning noise-cancellation system.

In addition, the interior of the Buick Encore is filled with plenty of premium materials. It has soft-touch surfaces on the dash pad and armrests, jewel-colored background accents, and a flush-mounted infotainment touch-screen display, which all help to create an upscale look and feel. Few subcompact SUVs have a more refined cabin than this crossover. The Encore also comes standard with push-button start and proximity keyless entry.

Cargo Capacity

If you routinely need to transport bulky items, you should be glad to know that the Buick Encore has a large and flexible cargo area. It offers 18.8 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seats and 48.4 cubic feet behind the front seats, which is enough for a dozen small suitcases. Also, the front passenger seat of this Buick SUV can be folded down to create additional space for stowing longer objects.

Tech Features

The new Buick Encore comes with a large selection of infotainment features to provide excellent in-vehicle connectivity and entertainment. Its infotainment system is intuitive and loaded with technology, while its touch screen is responsive and delivers clear graphics. If you don’t want to control everything through the touch screen, there are physical knobs for adjusting audio and climate settings.

Standard tech features you’ll find in the Encore include an 8-inch touch screen display, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a six-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Siri Eyes Free. For a better audio experience, you can upgrade to the optional Bose audio system with seven speakers.

2021 Buick Encore Safety

The 2021 Buick Encore earned an overall five-star crash-safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is the highest possible rating. It also received the highest rating of “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in five out of six crash tests. Besides basic safety features such as airbags, headrests, an anti-lock braking system, stability control, and daytime running lights, the Encore also comes standard with a rearview camera.

2021 Buick Encore Preferred

Image via Flickr by truckhardware

If you decide to buy the Preferred trim of the 2021 Buick Encore, you’ll have all of the standard features available in the base model, plus floor mats and a rear cargo cover. In addition, you’ll open up the available all-wheel drive and remote start. Opting for all-wheel drive leads to improved traction on slippery surfaces such as ice and mud, but it causes the SUV’s fuel economy rating to drop to 24/29 mpg.

The Preferred also offers you the opportunity to purchase two optional safety packages. The Safety Package adds driver-assistance technologies such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic warning, while the Safety II Package includes forward-collision alert, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and front and rear parking sensors.

Regardless of which trim level of the 2021 Buick Encore you choose, you’ll get an exceptionally reliable and refined SUV that provides great value for your money. With its good fuel economy and impressive powertrain warranty, this crossover can help you save a lot down the road. If you want to find out which trim level of the 2021 Buick Encore better suits your needs and preferences, feel free to drop by United Chevrolet Buick GMC for a test drive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.