2021 BUICK ENCORE VS ENCORE GX

COMPACT SUV VS SUBCOMPACT SUV

In the past few years, a new vehicle category has hit the market: the subcompact SUV. These vehicles are designed to give drivers a new option when it comes to interior space and exterior style.

Subcompact SUVs, like the Buick Encore, are smaller in size, helping you get better gas mileage. Compact SUVs, on the other hand, typically offer more interior space, since they are larger in size. This means more space to spread out on long treks, as well as more cargo room for all your essentials.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX is actually considered a “subcompact-plus” SUV, which provides the best from both the subcompact and compact categories.

The answer to whether you should choose a compact or subcompact SUV lies in your specific lifestyle needs.

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ENCORE VS ENCORE GX DIMENSIONS

Now that you know the difference between compact and subcompact SUVs, let’s show you exactly what that looks line in action. To start, here’s the exterior measurements of the 2021 Buick Encore and Buick Encore GX:

	Encore	Encore GX
Length	168.35 inches	171.40 inches
Width	70.10 inches	71.40 inches
Height	65.25 inches	64.10 inches
Wheelbase	100.60 inches	102.20 inches
Ground Clearance	6.22 inches	7.50 inches

Since the Encore GX is a subcompact-plus SUV, it’s larger than its partner. With its bigger stature comes a wider wheelbase for a more stable ride along with a taller ground clearance to help you cruise over potholes.

Even though the Encore is smaller, that doesn’t mean there aren’t benefits to a petite stature. For starters, its size allows this SUV to weave in and out of traffic and park in tight parking spaces with greater ease. Additionally, a shorter wheelbase provides a lower moment of inertia, which can have benefits on cornering and handling.

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INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS

As with all vehicles, the exterior dimensions of a ride play a large role in the passenger space the vehicle has to offer, as you can see with the following cabin measurements:

BUICK ENCORE	BUICK ENCORE GX
Front Headroom: 39.58 inches	Front Headroom: 39.7 inches
Rear Headroom: 38.78 inches	Rear Headroom: 38.1 inches
Front Legroom: 40.82 inches	Front Legroom: 40.9 inches
Rear Legroom: 35.75 inches	Rear Legroom: 36 inches

No matter which of these SUVs appeals to you, you’re sure to have ample room for all five of your passengers to enjoy. However, if you want slightly more legroom for your entire clan to enjoy, then you may prefer the Encore GX.

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CARGO SPACE

While the passenger space in the 2021 Buick Encore and Encore GX are fairly similar, where they really differ is in cargo room.

The Encore features 18.80 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row—perfect for stashing your groceries. When more room is needed after a day at the mall, simply fold the rear seat down as needed to accommodate. When folded completely flat, you’ll be treated to a maximum of 48.40 cubic feet of space.

If instead you think your daily ventures call for more room, opt for the 23.50 cubic feet of room in the Encore GX. When needed, this expands to a maximum of 50.20 cubic feet, so you can fit an extra suitcase or a new coffee table from the antique fair.

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ENCORE VS ENCORE GX PERFORMANCE SPECS

Of course, vehicle measurements are important to consider—but when choosing your next SUV, it all comes down to how it performs.

Under the hood of the 2021 Buick Encore, you’ll find an ECOTEC 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In addition to being highly fuel-efficient, this motor generates 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque designed for a peppy everyday drive.

However, if you’re looking for something a little more invigorating, you may enjoy the two powertrain options in the Encore GX:

Engine Option	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
ECOTEC 1.2-liter turbo	137	162
ECOTEC 1.3-liter turbo	155	174

The available 155-horsepower motor in the 2021 Buick Encore GX is designed for quicker lane changes, faster acceleration, a more spirited drive all around, and is perfect for those looking for a heart-racing ride.

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FUEL EFFICIENCY

Engines are so much more than their output. Therefore, it’s also important to consider the fuel economy they provide, so you’re not stopping at the gas station frequently during your commute. Luckily, both of the Encore GX’s motors are designed to keep you away from the pump for a long stretch:

• ECOTEC 1.2-liter turbo engine: EPA-estimated 26 MPG city and 30 MPG highway
• ECOTEC 1.3-liter turbo engine: EPA-estimated 30 MPG city and 32 MPG highway

If you’re looking for a baseline engine that goes a little further though, you’ll be happy to learn the Encore earns an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. Combined with a 14-gallon fuel tank, you’ll be able to journey a maximum of 448 highway miles before needing to refuel.