Buying an entry-level luxury SUV can be a great way to get all of the features and qualities you want from a seemingly more expensive vehicle without breaking through your budget. SUV options like the 2021 Buick Encore GX sit on the cusp of average and luxury, but the price is surprisingly low. It’s far from the most popular SUV in its price range, too, where most people prefer the common options from Nissan and Toyota. Because of that, the 2021 Buick Encore GX stands out from the crowd, and if you’re interested in getting the best value out of it, here are the best ways to spec one out, according to Edmunds.

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has a very friendly entry-level MSRP of $26,260, and while it isn’t exactly the cheapest brand new SUV you can buy, it does well to compete with its lower price. The value of the vehicle doesn’t increase dramatically as you go up in trim levels or even add options, making it reasonable to go for a higher trim level than the base model. If you want to compare each trim level by price, you won’t be disappointed:

• Buick Encore GX Preferred: $26,260
• Buick Encore GX Select: $28,600
• Buick Encore GX Essence: $33,135

With only three trim levels to pick from, it might seem easy to balance all of the differences to decide which one is really worth the money. When it comes to the overall picture, Edmunds rated the 2021 Buick Encore GX pretty highly regardless of what trim level you choose by looking at the vehicle overall. But, the reviewers did have a favorite trim level option, and it wouldn’t hurt to add on some optional packages, either.

Which trim level of the Buick Encore GX comes highly recommended?

Overall the 2021 Buick Encore GX has a lot of positive aspects to it regardless of what trim levels or packages you choose. It’s modern styling outside hints at the upscale interior that works to make the car feel like a true entry-level luxury SUV. Besides appearances, it offers a responsive and surprisingly sharp driving and handling experience while still remaining comfortable and collected. But, when it comes down to it, you can only pick one trim level (well, unless you are buying two or three SUVs) and according to Edmunds, the best trim level to buy is the mid-tier Select option.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Select trim offers all of the driving aids and standard safety features of the base model, along with a few luxury options that you would expect from higher-end luxury vehicles. This includes the cold-weather comfort package, which offers a remote start, adjustable driver’s seat, and heated seats. You can also expect roof rails for extra cargo and storage, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear armrest, and the addition of even more driving aids like rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring.

Additional packages and options worth considering

For the 2021 Buick Encore GX Select, there are two packages available that might spark your interest, though they will increase the price slightly, of course. Of all of the options, you can’t go wrong with the hands-free liftgate, which makes loading groceries and cargo so much more comfortable. You can also opt for the Sport Touring package on this trim level as well.

The upgrade to the Advanced Technology package is perfect for buyers who want something tech-savvy and full of modern-day features. With this package, you get useful features such as a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and navigation.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has several trim levels, options, and packages to choose from, and you may not know what you want or can get until you check them all out. When it comes down to purchasing a new vehicle, most buyers have a general idea of what features and options they are looking for, but also want to balance them with cost to make sure they are getting the best value that they can, and with the mid-level Encore GX and optional packages, you can get everything you’re looking for without breaking the bank.