When the Encore first entered the market, it was undoubtedly an appealing, upmarket alternative to other small 5-door CUVs like the Chevrolet Trax, but it has since fallen behind even some of the most affordable newer offerings. With the 2021 Encore relegated to the now-outdated, low-hp, turbo-four engine and with its top-spec trims having been deleted from the lineup, it’s just a dull-performing CUV with a second-rate cabin impression and very few modern features. Yes, it does remain notably pleasant on the road and its cabin is spacious, but at the 2021 Buick Encore CUV’s price of $23,200, there are now many equally or more refined and commodious CUVs to buy that also offer better performance and plenty more value for the money. In review, the 2021 Buick Encore just doesn’t make the cut against the myriad exceptional vehicles in the segment, and the reasons are too obvious to disregard. Buick needs to either completely overhaul the Encore or drop it altogether. Until then, it’ll remain a tough car to recommend.