The 2021 Buick Encore GX is one of the best used subcompact luxury crossovers available for under $30,000, according to the car buying experts over at Kelley Blue Book.
KBB recently put together a list highlighting its top choices for consumers in the market for a used subcompact crossover priced at under $30,000. The 2021 Buick Encore GX was fourth on this list, with KBB editors praising the vehicle’s up-to-date technology.
“The 2021 Buick Encore GX is so new it’s hard to call it used, but thrifty shoppers looking to save will appreciate the Encore GX’s suite of modern safety technologies, its extra interior space, and its standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto,” the publication said.
The Buick Encore GX narrowly outclassed the 2019 Cadillac XT4 in the ranking, which was fifth overall. The 2019 Lexus UX was first in the ranking, with the Japanese crossover receiving acclaim for its “stylish exterior, comfortable ride, friendly driving manners, and good fuel efficiency.” The 2018 Audi Q3 was second, followed by the 2018 BMW X1 in third.
The Buick Encore GX is the most up-to-date vehicle included in the ranking, as it only went on sale for the 2020 model year. This ensures the crossover has the latest in safety and entertainment technology, factors that heavily influence the buying decision for many used car shoppers. The 2021 model-year Encore GX is also rated as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, making it a great choice for consumers with families.
Riding on the GM VSS-F platform, the Encore GX offers two engine options, namely the turbocharged 1.2L I3 LIH, rated at 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the turbocharged 1.3L I3 L3T, rated at 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Models with front-wheel-drive come with a continuously variable transmission, while models with all-wheel drive feature a GM nine-speed automatic. The crossover slots in between the subcompact Encore and the compact Envision in Buick’s model range and is priced from $25,395 including destination and freight when new.
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Buick Encore GX news, Buick news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
View Comments
Ok, so this article had me until this line:
"The 2019 Lexus UX was first in the ranking, with the Japanese crossover receiving acclaim for its “stylish exterior,"
Ride? Sure. Friendly driving manner? Ok. Good MPG? Still with you. But when anyone attempts to call the Lexus UX a vehicle with a stylish exterior, I'm not buying that one. That is one ugly machine. The Encore GX is 1000 x better looking.
line up 100 people and ask them to pick which vehicle they would rather have the lexus or the buick. no contest. lexus would win.
In your dreams steve. In your dreams. I don't care what badge someone would hang on that thing (UX Lexus). Even if it had a Buick badge, it wouldn't change the ugly. And from the few later model Lexus RX's I've been in and driven, I'd still take the Encore over those.
i don't have to dream about it. i just look at the sales numbers.
If that’s true, why are 2021 Buick Encore GX sales nearly 5 times higher than the Lexus UX.
Actual buyers in the segment clearly disagree with you.
huge price difference and gm always puts tons of cash on the hood to move the gx.
2021 U.S. sales thru September
Buick Encore GX 61,172
Lexus UX 14,277
Per GMC Fan's comment: Slam dunk.
As expected per steve: Can't back up his false claim and now come the excuses.
Steve let's put it this way... I had no idea what a Lexus UX was I had to Google search it and man that's one ugly looking vehicle 🤮! The Encore GX is much better looking and the sales numbers prove that. Toyota/Lexus need to overhaul their designs and get rid of that God awful giant grill that they put on everything before I would croos shop it with a Buick!
i didn't really know what the ux was either. but i do know the gx is a stubby 3 cylinder very lightly re-skinned chevy.
if you are cross-shopping the ux with the gx, better have an extra $10K.
Lexus UX200
0 to 60 - 8.5sec 1/4mile 14.7sec.
70 to 0. - 158ft. Gas mileage 29cty/37hwy
Lexus UX250Hybrid Gas mileage 43cty/41hwy
Opinion: these numbers stink! Like what I would expect to see out of a $22K Hyundai rental fleet special Sonata. Not in a $35k luxury vehicle.
@ Jes DaFacts: BOOM!!! I love it.
Correction: Lexus UX 1/4 mile 17.4sec
Change your name please you can’t call yourself Jes DaFacts then make corrections thanks.
I recently purchased a 2021 Buick Encore GX Select (1.3 FWD, CVT) for less than 25k. It is pretty much loaded. I was apprensive about the 3 cyclinder engine and CVT until I drove it. After 6 months I have no regrets. A recent trip cruising at 80 and averaging over 33 mpg made a believer out of me. It has good power, a nice quite ride yet handles very well. I get a lot of comments on the styling and color (chili red). I love all the technology. I predict sales will increase when more people find out about the car. Great value.
For the record, the GX was released a year before the Trailblazer came out. I bought one four months ago and don’t regret it. It’s also my first GM product since 2008. That 1.3L turbo 3 holds it own with lots of low end torque and was even named to Ward’s 10 best engines list for 2021. It surprisingly sounds good as well. On a recent quick highway trip, about 90 miles each way, I averaged 34 mpg.
Pat let’s put it this way I had no idea Buick was even sold in the states anymore I thought it was China only and had been. I live in a huge city and I can’t tell you the last time I have seen a Buick on the road.
Matt: Your comment simply sounds like another dog whistle about anything China. And the sales numbers for almost all the Buick's being sold today would beg to differ.
Has nothing to do with a dog whistle Dan. I know buick sells good over there and I’m glad I would rather it sell well somewhere then be canceled. I don’t care where my car is made there is no such thing as American made anymore Americans assembled yes but made no. Like I said I live in a big city again I’ll repeat it for you I can not tel you the last time I saw a Buick on the road at least not anything 2010 or newer.
I see plenty of the original Encores on the road around here and am steadily seeing more GXs. It is a fact that many Buicks are sold in China, but they seem to be turning it around here in the US since they’ve quietly become an all-crossover brand here.
Buick has done a remarkable job with this Encore GX and this shows it.
Brand new over 30k don't buy. Used under 30k buy. Got it?
Phillip Underwood... Finally someone who gets that it's a good idea to give a Buick a try... My wife recently bought a 2019 Buick Enclave what a nice ride comfortable plenty of room and V6 is decent on MPG... Yeah Matt Buick I'm only sold in China! Lol 😂😂
I’m sorry you don’t make sense work on the replies buddy. It’s very hard to understand you. Maybe don’t drink and type on here? Just a suggestion.
Only when they only sell Buicks in China Matt... And Chevy's only in India lol! It was a typo excuse me maybe you need bigger glasses! I was praising Phil for buying an Encore GX... That yes Buick actually sells here in America dummy!
Only when they only sell Buicks in China Matt? Dude lay off the alcohol man.
I don't drink... besides who are you to judge me even if I do occasionally drink on the weekends? I have my views and you have yours let's leave it at that.
I have a 2021 Buick Encore GX…. I love it. My pet peeve is….I’ve had it for months now. I cannot get an answer from anyone. Not one person. That can tell me when we will be able to purchase Window Rain Guards for it. They have the Rain Guards available everywhere for the Regular 2021 Buick Encore but not the Gx. They’re also available for the Envision and Enclave. If anyone can answer this question it would be gladly appreciated! A lot of us who have the 2021 Buick Encore GX want these! Please someone answer. Someone somewhere knows this answer. Thanks
If you have the non-sport model with the black-cladding on the lower-body instead of the all-paint Sport Package, you probably won't need the splash-guards....the cladding itself will keep most crap from the road off the paint.
I have a 2021 AWD GX with the Bronze (actually more cinnamon-color) paint and the black/white two-tone interior and just love it. Not quite as smooth-riding as the Lacrosse I had previously, but just the right size for most of my current driving needs and maneuvering at close quarters. And the Buick Quiet tuning works...arguably the quietest subcompact crossover on the market.