2021 Buick Encore GX Preferred

The Encore GX is Buick's subcompact crossover, sized between the smaller Encore and the Envision, and it's the one that feels more like a proper small SUV than a tall hatchback. It's a light, easy car to drive around town, with steering that's quick and a ride that stays composed on rough pavement. The cabin is genuinely upscale for the class, with soft-touch materials and a clean, simple dash that puts the touchscreen within easy reach. The rear seat fits two adults comfortably, and the cargo area is a useful size for a small family's weekly haul. The Preferred is the entry-level trim, so you give up some amenities like the power liftgate and dual-zone climate control that come on the Select and Essence above it. This Preferred pairs the 1.3L I3 with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, which feels willing enough around town, and the nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly with all-wheel drive. It rides on 18-inch wheels standard, and the available Driver Confidence Package adds rear cross-traffic alert for easier parking-lot maneuvering.