2021 Buick Encore — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Buick Encore is an SUV offered with 3 engines (1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Buick Encore workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Buick Encore: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 37 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.3L 3-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.2L 3-cyl turbo · 1.3L 3-cyl turbo · 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 36 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 30 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 179 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2021 Buick Encore across 3 engines (1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 31 mpg (US), or 31 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (28/31) | 188 | $2,300 |
| 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (30/32) | 179 | $2,150 |
| 1.3L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (26/29) | 205 | $2,400 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/29) | 214 | $2,600 |
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (25/30) | 204 | $2,500 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Buick Encore
Running Costs: 2021 Buick Encore
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Buick Encore at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Buick Encore Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Buick Encore (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Equipment (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Equipment — campaign 21V440000, reported 10 June 2021. Risk: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
- Service brakes — campaign 20V588000, reported 24 September 2020. Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 62 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Buick Encore. The most-reported areas are Engine (18), Power train (14), Service brakes (9). Complaints include 2 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 61 complaints across the 14 Buick Encore model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Buick Encore
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (18 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign · 9 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Transmission & drivetrain (14 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Buick Encore compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 37 mpg figure is 10 mpg better than that average. Its 179 g/km CO₂ figure is 74 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Buick models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Buick Encore's 37 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 179 g/km CO₂ figure is 54 g/km lower than the 233 g/km Buick average.
Of the 14 Buick Encore model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined). See every Buick Encore year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Buick Encore
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Buick Encore have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2021 Buick Encore: 1.2L 3-cyl turbo, 1.3L 3-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.3L 3-cyl turbo with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Buick Encore?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Buick Encore cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Buick Encore have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Buick Encore have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Buick Encore (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Equipment (1), Service brakes (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Buick Encore?
Among the 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (18 complaints), Power train (14 complaints), Service brakes (9 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Buick Encore's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.