A lot of vehicles that were expected to be released in 2020 and 2021 encountered some delays, some of which were pushed back and others of which were released late. Buick managed to tough through the hardships of 2020 and has a sleek setup of crossover SUVs for 2021. This means that if you were fixing to visit Buick dealers to scout their inventory of 2021 models, you are certainly in luck because Buick was one of the brands that managed to retain their 2021 slate.
Buick’s 2021 model years consist of the Enclave, Envision, and Encore. All three of which either retain a lot of features from the previous model year or add something new to make the 2021 model year more enticing to potential SUV shoppers. For people who have been following Buick specifically, there are some enticing features you might like to know about regarding the Enclave, Envision and Encore.
2021 Buick Enclave Features
The Enclave isn’t on the receiving end of the most elaborate changes for a model year update, but there are a few things that die-hard fans will be pleased about the midsize SUV that seats seven. First off, some of the packages have been reoriented for the 2021 model year. The Driver Confidence 2 Package is now called the Buick Driver Confidence Plus Package, and it is standard on the top two trims of the vehicle.
This comes equipped with Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and more. This gives you top-tier safety standard when you purchase one of Buick’s most luxurious vehicles. In another helpful safety upgrade, Buick has made its sophisticated twin-clutch all-wheel drive system available on the mid-range Essence trim as well as the top-of-the-line Premium and Avenir trims.
2021 Buick Envision Features
While the Buick Enclave may have only received some touch-ups and minor changes for 2021, the Buick Envision has been fully redesigned. This includes a new exterior profile for the compact SUV. While it still seats five, the frame sits lower, and the body is now wider. The interior space hasn’t been reduced, though. You still have access to an impressive cargo volume of 52.7-cubic feet of space across the three trims, which includes the Preferred, Essence, and Avenir.
A few other interior changes include popular infotainment features. For example, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across all trims, which should put some extra prep in the step of anyone trotting to a local Buick dealer to purchase an Envision. Many of Buick’s advanced safety technologies are also now standard features for the Envision.
The new 228-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoTec four-cylinder also manages 24 MPG in the city and up to 31 MPG on the highway thanks to the nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is, of course, an available option for additional traction in bad weather. Fancy and fuel-efficient. You can’t ask for much more than that from a compact crossover SUV like the Envision.
2021 Buick Encore Features
Buick’s subcompact crossover SUV has received only middling updates and modifications over the last couple of years since the major refresh in 2017. However, there were some desirable updates to the packaging and trim features, such as the Preferred trim receiving the Safety Package II, which is now available in both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The base Encore trim does not have the availability of the Safety Package 2, so there’s an extra incentive to go with the Premier trim.
Forward Collision Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Rainsense wipers make the 2021 Encore a safer and more convenient vehicle. What’s more, there are two new colors available for the 2021 Buick Encore as well. The two new colors include Cinnabar Metallic and Dark Moon Blue Metallic. These give potential shoppers a little something extra to explore when it comes to giving their Encore a distinct visual appeal.
Future Changes And Refreshes
What the future holds for Buick’s lineup of vehicles will be interesting to see unfold. However, since the Buick Envision has already gone through a mid-cycle refresh, it’s unlikely that we will see the 2022 model year undergo any major changes. Then again, they could surprise us and go for something completely different with the next model year.
The Buick Encore received a refresh in 2017, giving it some modified exterior stylings and interior features. This included a number of upgrades to sate the expectations of consumers shopping for a subcompact crossover. There haven’t been any major additions to the Encore in recent years, and unfortunately, some trim options were trimmed off its feature lineup. But it’s not unlikely that we could be seeing a cycle refresh at some point in the near future. Plus, with the Encore GX offering slightly larger dimensions compared to its smaller sibling, there is plenty of creative space for Buick’s engineers to play around with when it comes to taking the Encore GX in a variety of different directions.
As for the Buick Enclave, the second-generation mid-sized crossover SUV is due for a mid-cycle refresh. The 2021 model year is more of a holdover until the 2022 model year, which will have some significant changes in key areas, specifically related to its style. The interior of the Enclave is getting an overhaul, along with several new exterior changes for the fascia, which is customary for most redesigns.
Even despite the hiccups and hold-ups caused throughout 2020 for some model year refreshes, Buick seems to be rolling with the punches and keeping a steady slate of updates for the 2021 model years. The company has also kept looking ahead in preparation for the 2022 updates to its luxurious lineup, ensuring that we can expect even more excellent vehicles in the future.
2021 Still Worth A Watch
Even while some of the models from Buick, such as the Buick Enclave, seem to be going through a holdover phase, the company still did due diligence with updating each of the three main vehicles for its brand. This gives fans plenty of reasons to be excited about a midsize, compact, or subcompact SUV from America’s oldest automobile manufacturer.
New safety features, improved connectivity, and a couple of splashes of new colors add something extra to their vehicular tapestry. While the 2021 model year changes are enough to satisfy anyone eyeing a brand new SUV, Buick isn’t resting on their laurels and is already following up 2021 with even more updates for 2022. With this focus on improvement, the future of Buick’s unique blend of luxury and reliability looks good.
As usual, the appeal of one model year over the other will depend on what features you are looking for. But whether you find what’s available for 2021 is enough, or if you would prefer to wait for a refresh, you can count on Buick. With the Envision, Buick certainly seems to have gone the extra mile to appease those looking for something fresh yet comfortable. We’ll see if all works out for them in the sales charts.
