Used 2021 Buick Encore GX for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

Prices have softened 10.32% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,114 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, great features, and spacious interior, and they also point to the abundance of standard safety features as a value add. The overview also frames it as a refined-feeling small crossover with easy-to-use technology and a quiet cabin, which fits the positive owner feedback well.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride quality is poor, performance is fairly pedestrian, and value for money is questioned. Even so, if you want a premium-leaning small SUV that is easy to live with and simple to operate, this model year fits that brief. Good and great deals account for 33.3% of listings, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle that many drivers find stylish, feature-rich, and satisfying over time, with the kind of everyday appeal that can support confidence in ownership. It also highlights concerns about brake issues reported by one driver, which is worth keeping in mind when you evaluate a used example.

The expert notes that the turbocharged engine helps the Encore GX feel sprightly, and it has no trouble cruising at highway speeds. Buick also includes useful ownership aids such as Teen Driver technology and Tire Fill Alert, which can make day-to-day use easier.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the brakes and overall condition check out before you commit.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a vehicle-specific record. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on brakes, ride quality, and any signs of uneven wear or neglected maintenance. It also makes sense to test the infotainment and driver-assistance features carefully, since this model leans heavily on technology for its appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Encore GX comes in base Preferred, mid-grade Select, and top-shelf Essence trim levels. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more, while the higher trims better match the SUV’s premium-leaning positioning.
• Powertrain: Two turbocharged three-cylinder engines are available. The 1.2-liter engine is paired only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine is available with FWD or AWD and brings stronger output.
• Safety package: Buick Driver Confidence is standard and includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8-inch touchscreen and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2021. It also includes Bluetooth for two devices, Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and available navigation and surround-view camera features on better-equipped versions.
• Fuel efficiency: The 1.2-liter engine is the efficiency-oriented choice, while the 1.3-liter turbo is the stronger option. The review also notes an average of 28.2 mpg on its testing loop.

Which 2021 Buick Encore GX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is offered in 3 trim levels: Preferred, Select, Essence.

Here's the short version:

• Preferred: This is the entry point, but it is also the trim where blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is only optional. If you want the lowest starting point, this is it, but it is the least complete version.
• Select: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds more equipment balance and makes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert standard. It also opens the door to the stronger 1.3-liter engine with FWD.
• Essence: This is the most upscale choice and the one that best matches the Encore GX’s premium intent. It is the trim to target if you want the richest feature set and the most polished feel.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard across the lineup, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard starting with Select.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Buick Encore GX?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to shop carefully and enough deal activity to find value.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,114 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.32% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $16,620, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Buick Encore GX's resale value?

The current average of $16,620 sits slightly below last year's $18,532.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the softer pricing trend means you should be realistic about depreciation and focus on buying well rather than assuming a quick rebound.

The model’s strong owner satisfaction can help support demand, especially among shoppers who value its technology and upscale feel. Well-kept examples with clean history and desirable equipment should be easier to move than neglected ones.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Buick Encore GX safe?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX earns a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Buick Driver Confidence is standard, with forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Preferred and standard on Select and Essence, so trim choice matters if you want the full safety package.

The expert review also notes that adaptive cruise control can be finicky in traffic, and lane-keeping assist feels unnatural even though it works. That means the safety tech is broad, but you should still test it carefully on a used example.

Should I buy a 2021 Buick Encore GX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.32% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds wireless smartphone integration and keeps the model’s refined, tech-forward character.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $16,013, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $16,620 average.
• It offers more space and more powerful engines than the Encore.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,306, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $16,620 average.
• It is a carryover with four new exterior paint colors.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the sweet spot if you want the updated tech and strong owner satisfaction without paying 2022 money. If your priority is saving as much as possible, the 2020 is the cheaper path, but the 2021 is the better all-around buy when you can find a clean, well-priced example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.