Best of the 2021 Buick Lineup

Here’s What’s Happening With the Latest 2021 Buick Models

Buick has moved to an all-crossover and SUV lineup after decades in the car business. The newest models feature trick safety and convenience tech, as well as a variety of options, powertrains, and trim level choices.

Note: The Buick Envision has just been overhauled for the 2021 model year. Buick has not yet released full details on the new vehicle. As such, it has been omitted from this list.

See also: best luxury cars for 2021, best SUVs for 2021, best three-row SUVs for 2021, and best CUVs for 2021.

1. 2021 Buick Encore

Important Info Base Price:$24,195 – $25,595 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: TBD Fuel Economy: Up to 30 mpg highway with FWD Basic Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles Our Rating: 7.0/10

Our Thoughts: Pros & Cons Summary: The tiny Encore offers a near-premium experience. Pros: Smooth Buick-like ride, surprising amount of interior space. Cons: Not so efficient, lacks power, safety gear held back as options

The entry-level Encore is Buick’s smallest crossover. In recent years, the automaker has added larger and more expensive Encore GX, but the standard Encore remains as the welcome mat to the Buick vehicle lineup. Though it’s small, the Encore is well-equipped and brings many of the best Buick features to the table. It’s got a solid infotainment system, good noise insulation, and a roomy interior that is at odds with its tiny exterior dimensions.

The Encore lineup has been slimmed down to just two trims for 2021: Standard and Preferred. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that makes 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, though all-wheel drive is available.

2. 2021 Buick Encore GX

Important Info Base Price:$25,195-$29,595 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: TBD Fuel Economy: Up to 32 mpg with base three-cylinder engine Basic Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles Our Rating: 7.5/10

Our Thoughts: Pros & Cons Summary: The Buick Encore GX can compete against a large swath of the auto market. Pros: Handsome design, decent cargo space Cons: Three-cylinder engines lack pep, cheap interior bits

The Encore GX debuted in 2020 as a slightly larger crossover option than the entry-level Encore. It’s got two three-cylinder engines on offer for 2021, and is closely related to the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Updates for its second year include the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM Radio as standard kit.

The entry-level Encore GX engine is a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three that makes 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The uprated engine is a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-three that produces 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission is standard for both engines, but the 1.3-liter can be equipped with a nine-speed automatic when all-wheel drive is also equipped.

2. 2021 Buick Enclave

Important Info Base Price:$41,195 – $54,995 Updates: Minor 0-60 mph: TBD Fuel Economy: Up to 25 mpg with AWD equipped Basic Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles Our Rating: 7.5/10

Our Thoughts: Pros & Cons Summary: The Buick Enclave’s price is at odds with its cheapish interior materials. Pros: Premium looks, generous standard tech, large cargo hold Cons: Somewhat cheap interior trim, fuel economy suffers

The three-row Enclave got just a few updates for 2021, which amount to a few new options in the top trims. Even so, it remains competitive against a sea of premium crossovers and SUVs. Its construction, quality, and materials put the Enclave head-to-head with some of the best mainstream crossovers, but its price tag lands its squarely in competition with brands like Lexus and Acura.

Just one engine is on deck for the 2021 Enclave. It’s a 3.6-liter V6 that is rated at 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, though all-wheel drive can be equipped.