Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox: We Break Down The Differences
Chevy Equinox by Elise240SX — CC-BY-SA-4.0
These two vehicles are often labeled as crossovers and are well-equipped to manage family trips while offering a fair amount of performance. They provide a bit more comfortable seating and passenger room than standard SUVs. Larger items can be easily packed and stored in the back seats or rear, compared to traditional or older used SUVs.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Buick Encore, despite their smaller sizes compared to standard SUVs, make the most of their layouts in a way that benefits passengers. When it comes to comparing the Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox, here’s what you should know.
Apart from their similar size and sharing an SUV classification, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore are pretty different vehicles when it comes to features and drivability. Each one has its own set of brand-specific characteristics and styles, as well as a few model-specific traits. As you might expect, the Buick has a bit of an interior focus since it’s positioned as an entry-level luxury brand, and the Equinox is similar to most of the other Chevy vehicles and focused on performance and size.
Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox: The basics
The advantage of the smaller Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Encore models is that their fuel efficiency is significantly higher than most other models in the SUV category besides maybe the compact models. They are both competitive options in this area due to their lower weight and lower height. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox’s turbocharged engine gets 30 mpg on average, while the Buick Encore gets the same. When all-wheel drive is selected as the preferred option over front-wheel drive to improve the driving experience, the fuel efficiency of both models will suffer moderately.
Buick Encore used to offer two different engine options including the now discontinued 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but will now only offer one option going forward. The only engine option for the Buick Encore in 2021 is a turbocharged four-cylinder with 138 horsepower. This loss of power production may be felt in every element of your driving, even in a smaller car. Despite this flaw, the 2021 Buick Encore compensates by including a standard all-wheel drive. In addition, all versions include a contemporary continuously variable gearbox. These improvements offer us reason to be optimistic about the Buick Encore in 2021.
The turbocharged Equinox offers a 1.5-liter engine and produces 170 horsepower, and when combined with the optional (and heavier) all-wheel-drive system (front-wheel drive is standard), the Equinox requires a strong foot to get up to highway speeds. The standard six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, although the gearbox is hesitant to downshift when more power is required for the sake of fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that was previously available has been removed from the selection.
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Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox: Critical reviews
U.S. News Scores for 2021 models
Overall winner: Chevy Equinox
Encore 7.4 / 10
Equinox 7.7 /10
Critics winner: Buick Encore
Encore 6.8 /10
Equinox 6.5 /10
Performance winner: Chevy Equinox
Encore 6.6 /10
Equinox 7.3 /10
Interior winner: Chevy Equinox
Encore 7.1 /10
Equinox 7.3 /10
Safety winner: Chevy Equinox
Encore 8.5 /10
Equinox 9.3 /10
Reliability winner: Chevy Equinox
Encore 84.0 /100
Equinox 85.0 /100
Wheelbase, length, width, and overall height are all won by the Chevy Equinox. Similarly, for passenger capacity and interior space, the Equinox wins every category except for secondary passenger headroom. This surprisingly doesn’t impact the fuel efficiency in any way, as the Equinox is at the same or better than the Encore in fuel economy.
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Estimate fuel economy (city)
Buick Encore 24
Chevy Equinox 26
Estimated fuel economy (highway)
Buick Encore 32
Chevy Equinox 31
Fuel tank capacity by the gallon
Buick Encore 14.0
Chevy Encore 14.9
Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox Winner: Chevy Equinox
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2021 Buick Encore have similar starting prices. In their base model and are nearly identical in price. The 2021 Buick Encore, on the other hand, is woefully inadequate in terms of safety features. The Chevrolet Equinox compensates for this shortfall in convenience features, but it does so at the expense of the Encore’s safety and comfort features. The Equinox prioritizes safety and invests time and resources into improving that aspect.
The Buick Encore has only two trim options for 2021, but the Chevrolet Equinox has four. As a result, the Equinox’s price rises dramatically across its models, while the Buick Encore’s pricing remains stable. When it comes to what each of these crossings entails, Equinox has a stronger overall value.
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While both are fairly similar in most aspects, the Chevy Equinox does position itself overall as a better vehicle. For a range between $24,000 and $32,000, you can get a much better vehicle for a slightly higher price than the Buick Encore. Buick only offers two different versions compared to the four from Chevy, and you can expect to pay right around $25,000 regardless of the model version. The Encore is a good option if you need to save up front and have a feel of luxury from the brand, but may not be worth the few thousands of dollars of initial savings.
Both of these models will provide you with decent degrees of comfort overall as a customer, but probably not as much comfort as larger SUV options. Buyers can assume that because of their visible smaller size, their cabins would be a bit uncomfortable, but this is not the case for either vehicle.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox prioritizes durability and size while also accommodating passengers in the front and back seats with modern amenities. The Buick Encore for 2021 is just as comfy, but with a few extra convenience features and with a luxury touch. Despite their modest size, both options provide comfortable rides with modern technology and safety. It’s always a good idea to test drive vehicles you’re comparing to get a better feel for the ride and intricacies. Overall, the Equinox is the clear overall winner and a great option for most consumers.
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