Encore GX 2021

Bought for practicality, expected dull. Wrong. The chassis is genuinely sorted — precise steering, good body control, and real eagerness. Makes you look forward to driving rather than dreading it.

I was sceptical about a Chinese brand, but the 2021 Buick Encore GX genuinely surprised me. The fit and finish is excellent, the tech is class-leading, and the value for money is extraordinary. European rivals should be worried.

Excited at purchase, reality more subdued. Positives: generous space, good economy. Negatives: touchscreen occasionally freezes, rear wiper smears in light rain, lane-keeping is too aggressive. Not bad but needs polish.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offers genuinely impressive technology — the driver assistance systems are class-leading and the infotainment is intuitive. Taking one star off as it's still too early to judge long-term reliability.

Solid car that does its job competently without exciting me. Ride comfortable, easy to drive. However, interior materials feel a step below the price point and the engine is noisy when pushed. Reliable but not class-leading.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has more than justified the price. The refinement difference vs my old car is immediately obvious. Cruising at motorway speed is serene, tech is useful not gimmicky, and running costs are lower than expected.

Fourteen months in and my 2021 Buick Encore GX has spent more time at the dealer than my driveway. Turbo failed at 8,000 miles, infotainment blank at 11,000, persistent vibration no one can locate. First and last experience with this brand.

Mid-spec was the sweet spot. Heated seats, wireless CarPlay, blind-spot monitoring all standard. Build quality feels honest and durable. Nothing showy or fragile. Exactly what I needed.

Cannot recommend. Transmission issue, electrical fault that stranded me, engine light the dealer cannot diagnose. Every visit takes a week. I had high expectations. Avoid.

Hits the sweet spot for me. Refined on the motorway, economical for commuting, practical for family duties. Only gripe is the infotainment system slow to connect to phone on start-up. Build quality noticeably better than my previous car.