2021 Buick Encore vs 2021 Chevy Trax

• 2021 Buick Encore

  

  Starting at

  $23,200

  2021 Chevy Trax

  

  Starting at

  $21,400

  18”	Standard Wheel Size	16”
  148	Horsepower (HP)	148
  8”	Infotainment Screen Size	7"

  If you had said decades ago that SUVs would represent some of the most popular cars in the world, you probably still wouldn't believe the number of SUV options that exist in the market today. It’s almost unprecedented that SUVs are as popular as they are, but in many ways, it makes complete sense as well. Current automobile consumers want vehicles that can adjust to their needs and desires, so an SUV that’s versatile and able to adapt to changing situations and conditions quickly offers a whole lot of possibilities. Even compact versions are ramping up the heat in the SUV market. But which compact SUV is the best? Only a comparison of the 2021 Buick Encore vs 2021 Chevy Trax can answer that question.

  Buick and Chevrolet are both household names in the market today, and their subcompacts are no exception. With the smaller size, you get a smaller price tag without losing any of the quality and feel these brands are known for. The 2021 Buick Encore starts at $23,200, and the 2021 Chevy Trax starts at $21,400. You can attribute the extra cost to the Encore to the fact that Buick is putting more features as a standard than the Chevy Trax provides.

  The Buick Encore is the starting point for Buick SUVs and crossovers. It falls below the Encore GX, Regal TourX, Envision, Enclave, and Enclave Avenir. On the Chevy side, the Trax is nearly the lowest-priced SUV model, sitting snugly between the Trailblazer and Equinox. The low price points of these models make them appealing to buyers who want a vehicle for the price of a sedan, but with a larger build and cargo space. Still, which is the better option? Only a full comparison will tell.

• Performance

  

  Subcompact SUVs aren’t particularly well-known for their performance numbers, but you can still expect a smooth ride. In many cases, subcompact SUVs feel more powerful than bigger vehicles because they’re so lightweight and easy to maneuver on the road or the trail. These little SUVs are ideal for city living as they can easily zip through crowded streets and around corners.

  The Encore Engine

  For engines, the 2021 Buick Encore has a 1.4L EcoTec turbo engine. This is the standard and only engine option on all 2021 Buick Encore models. This is common for most subcompact SUVs since you won’t typically be towing much or carrying a considerable amount of cargo or passengers. Without the extra weight, there’s not much need for other engine options. The 1.4L turbo engine has an output of 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

  The Trax Engine

  On the 2021 Chevy Trax, you have the same 1.4L EcoTec turbo 4-cylinder engine. Since both the Encore and Trax come from the same parent company, it’s very common to see similar parts used in their vehicles. Since it’s the same engine as the Encore, you get the same 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

  With the same engines, you can expect the same kind of performance out of both vehicles. Overall, there’s no clear winner between the two, and the driving experience should be very similar. Even the dimensions of the vehicles are almost interchangeable. Each of the models on both vehicles weighs a little over 3,000 lbs, and the wheelbases are exactly the same at 100.6 inches. We would recommend giving both vehicles a test drive to see which one feels better to you.

• Interior

  

  The interior features of a vehicle can often hold a lot of sway over the decision on what car to buy. SUVs are made to be carrying passengers and cargo, as well as providing drivers with the opportunity to go off-roading and drive comfortably in adverse weather conditions. If the interior features don’t keep everyone comfortable, no matter what’s going on outside the vehicle, the SUV has likely failed to live up to expectations.

  What’s Inside the Encore?

  With the 2021 Buick Encore, you get a wide 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information center and an even bigger 8-inch Buick Infotainment System diagonal color touchscreen. This makes keeping track of essential information on the driver information center easier for the driver, and the Buick Infotainment System is perfect for keeping passengers entertained during the ride.

  This system is Bluetooth compatible and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You can also use Siri EyesFree for your radio and phone, or use the available USB ports to play audio straight from your compatible device through the audio system. In addition, the 2021 Buick Encore is 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capable (on all models) and has both OnStar and Buick Connected Services capabilities.

  What’s Inside the Trax?

  The interior of the 2021 Chevy Trax is similar to the 2021 Buick Encore, although it has a few key differences. The two displays are significantly smaller, including the 3.5-inch driver information center and the 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System diagonal color touchscreen. However, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System still has certain capabilities, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice command pass-through for compatible phones. You also get hotspot capabilities, as well as OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services capabilities.

  Overall, the interior features are similar on both vehicles, but the Buick brand is known for its upscale features. While the features are similar, Buick is still trying to provide a heightened ride experience with features like the larger displays that offer a little more accessibility to all of the car's available programming.

• Versatility

  

  An SUV isn’t really an SUV if it’s not capable of doing many different things simultaneously. The prime reason so many people are interested in buying an SUV is because of how versatile they can be. For starters, every SUV has to be capable of delivering what every automobile should, which is driving safely on the road. SUVs make great commuter vehicles because they perform well on the pavement, and there’s plenty of space for passengers if you have a family or are heading off on a road trip with friends.

  In addition, SUVs need to have off-road capabilities. Not everyone wants to go off-roading, but every SUV should have the option for 4WD or AWD so drivers can have the extra assurance that they need when the weather is bad, or they want to hit the trail. AWD and 4WD models provide the driver with more control over the vehicle on an uneven or slippery surface, making the drive ideal for those who live in a climate that gets snow or in a more rural area that could have some dirt roads to drive down.

  A Versatile Encore

  On the 2021 Buick Encore, you have AWD-capabilities if you want the extra security for your driving experience. This is the best drivetrain option if you plan to do any driving off the pavement or live in an area that gets snow and ice. Plus, you have a very spacious interior for passengers and cargo with 48.4 cu.ft. of space available.

  The interior is built for versatility, so it’s easy to arrange and adjust if you have different sizes of cargo you need to fit in. Since both the front passenger seat and the second row seating can be folded down, you have plenty of options for making sure nothing gets left behind. This model's configuration capabilities allow you to pack long items along the passenger side when needed, then easily flip the seats up to accommodate having passengers when the cargo is gone.

  A Versatile Trax

  The 2021 Chevy Trax has the same amount of interior cargo space at 48.4 cu.ft. of available space. You can also fold down the front passenger seat and the second row seats if you need to adjust the interior to fit different-shaped objects. In addition, the Trax also has AWD capabilities if you’re planning on off-road adventures or want the extra security for inclement weather.

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