Achieving 28 MPG combined, the 2021 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L is a calculated compromise for a specific buyer: someone who wants a slightly elevated driving position, available all-wheel drive, and a touch of near-luxury refinement over outright fuel efficiency. This isn’t a Prius competitor, nor does it pretend to be. It’s a small crossover designed for urban and suburban drivers who need a versatile vehicle that’s easy to park and offers some premium features without being too expensive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Encore GX AWD 1.3L gets 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic, where the small 3-cylinder engine works harder to accelerate the car’s roughly 3,200-pound curb weight. The higher highway number shows the engine’s ability to cruise efficiently once up to speed, aided by the 9-speed automatic transmission that selects the best gear for saving fuel. Wind resistance affects all SUVs; expect that highway number to decrease at higher speeds or in windy conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L at exactly $1,550. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs between different vehicles, allowing potential buyers to consider fuel expenses when thinking about the overall affordability of the Encore GX. The calculation assumes a certain ratio of city to highway driving, and that is reflected in the final number. Those driving mostly in urban areas might find their annual fuel cost slightly higher, while those mostly on the open road could see it decrease.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a useful way to measure, but real-world fuel economy always varies. If you are a careful driver, expect to see numbers within a few MPG of the EPA’s estimates. However, much more variance means that your driving habits are not helping your fuel economy. Things like driving style, terrain, weather conditions, and even tire pressure all matter. Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking will lower fuel economy. Keeping tires properly inflated and following scheduled maintenance, which can be found in all Buick fuel economy data, can help keep efficiency high.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2021 Buick Encore GX AWD 1.3L is in the middle of its class. The front-wheel drive Kia Seltos, for example, gets around 31 MPG combined with its 2.0L engine, providing a slightly more economical option for those who don’t need all-wheel drive. The Mazda CX-30 with all-wheel drive is comparable to the Buick, averaging around 25 MPG combined. Choosing the front-wheel drive Encore GX will get you a better combined fuel economy number of 30 MPG. It’s a tradeoff: all-weather capability for a small MPG gain.

Buyers often cross-shop the Encore GX with the Chevrolet Trailblazer because of mechanical similarities. The Trailblazer AWD with the same 1.3L engine typically returns similar, sometimes slightly lower, real-world numbers compared to the Buick. Don’t forget to explore ENCORE MPG across all years too, to see how past model years varied.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 1.3L 3-cylinder engine in the Encore GX, while efficient, works best with a gentle touch. Avoid aggressive acceleration and try to maintain a steady speed, especially on the highway. The smaller engine needs to work much harder when accelerating, so the MPG decreases rapidly.

Use the Encore GX’s cruise control system on long highway drives. It helps maintain a consistent speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which results in better fuel economy. This is important in hilly areas, where speed can unintentionally vary without the driver realizing.

Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tires also provide better handling and longer tire life, which are helpful when you’re trying to get every last mile out of a tank of gas.

Use air conditioning less. A/C puts a load on the engine, especially at lower speeds. On cooler days, open the windows or use the climate control system’s ventilation mode instead. Remember that the average driver accelerates more to compensate for the A/C taking power from the engine.

Don’t carry too much weight in the vehicle. Excess weight increases the engine’s workload. Clean out your trunk and backseat to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. Getting rid of 100 lbs of extra weight in the car will help your acceleration in the city, which saves gas.