48/100
2021Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDRegular

2021 Buick Encore GX AWD

EPA ID: 42686
26
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
29
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2021 Buick Encore GX AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.3L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a automatic 9-spd, this small sport utility vehicle 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2021 Encore GX AWD produces approximately 330 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Encore GX AWD performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.3L 3-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionAutomatic 9-spd
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions330 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
27.3
Impact vs EPA
+$50
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$518/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$13,860
44.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
30.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,459
24.0%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,094

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #21V440000·2021-07-29
moderate
Component: EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

Campaign #20V588000·2020-12-09
critical
Component: SERVICE BRAKES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Buick Encore GX AWD configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City26 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

66.0 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 82 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.5 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.