2021 Chevy Trax vs Buick Encore

Chevy Trax vs Buick Encore: Exterior Features

At first glance, these cars look identical with their similar stance, design, and size. They both come with many similar details to their exterior, like halogen headlamps.

The Chevy Trax also has available LED taillights for additional brightness in low-light conditions. The Buick Encore doesn’t have these LED taillights available in any trim level. This may seem like a small oversight, but brighter taillights make it easier for other vehicles to see you. Better visibility could potentially prevent a collision at some point.

Another big difference you’ll find when comparing the external appearance of these models is personalization options. The Chevy Trax offers nine different exterior color options, including fun colors like Midnight Blue Metallic and Black Cherry Metallic. Plus, this model offers an available Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, adding a premium-level exterior paint option.

With the Buick Encore, you’ll have fewer—only six—exterior color options, and the ones you do get are a bit less vibrant: lots of blacks, whites, and silvers.  

2021 Trax vs 2021 Encore: Performance

When driving either of these cars, you will have a similar experience and feel as you cruise around. That is because they both have similar suspension systems for great handling and smooth driving. They also each have nearly identical 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder engines.

Thanks to these engines, both models achieve up to 155 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of pep for daily commutes. For your weekend adventures, you’ll have the capabilities of the available all-wheel drive systems these models have to offer.

The benefits of an all-wheel drive system are plentiful, including enhanced confidence during winter storms and taking the fun off the pavement for a little bit. However, this capability is only offered in one trim for the Encore, while every Trax trim level can be equipped with AWD.

Another area where these models will compare closely is how long you can enjoy driving around before you have to find a gas station to refuel. The Buick Encore and Chevy Trax both have 14-gallon gas tanks and get an EPA-estimated 24 city/32 highway MPG. So, behind the wheel of either of these SUVs, you will be able to avoid frequent visits to the pesky pumps. The result? You can save time and money!

Trax vs Encore: Cabin Comfort & Convenience

When it comes to dimensions, the 2021 Chevy Trax and the 2021 Buick Encore are nearly identical. Both compact models feature five spacious seats with similar but slightly different passenger-area dimensions. For example, the Chevy comes with 39.6 inches of front headroom, while the Buick only comes with 39.58 inches of front headroom. This difference, while slight, could weigh in interior comfort for you and your front-seat passenger.

Their body styles make the Trax and the Encore ideal for carting cargo as well. In either model, you’ll have up to 48.4 total cubic feet of cargo space to work with when the rear seats are folded down. With a folding front passenger seat, you’ll be able to pack in all kinds of cargo, including long items like ski equipment and lamps if you’re planning an upcoming move.

In addition to the nearly identical spaces offered by the cabins of the Trax and the Encore, both models also offer an array of comfort upgrades. Though, the Trax offers an additional comfort option over the Buick Encore. This comes in the form of available heated front seats, which are not available on the Buick SUV.

Another key difference is the design choices you have for the 2021 Trax. These give you the option to style your car to match your personality. The Trax comes in two different available trim levels, giving you the option to personalize your interior experience a bit. Meanwhile, the Encore only comes in one trim, so what you see is pretty much what you get.

Chevy vs Buick: Technology & Safety Features

There is a list of features found on the exterior and within the interior of both vehicles. From available roof racks to infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, there are many similarities between these two models.

Additionally, at the helm of both models, you’ll find a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration and an array of other exciting features. Keep in touch with hands-free phone calling via Bluetooth® while you stay on track with your eyes on the road ahead.

Though, the Chevy offers an additional available Driver Confidence Package. This package, not available on the Buick Encore, comes with various assistive technologies. You may find these technologies available on the Encore, but not in one convenient package.