If you're car shopping for an SUV, there's a lot to consider. SUVs, due to their increasing popularity, are available in a variety of sizes. There are subcompact, crossover, mid-size, full-size, and more. If you're looking for something a bit smaller, you might be considering the Buick Encore. Bust just how big is the Buick Encore? We've looked into this for you and have put together our findings below.
The 2021 Buick Encore is considered a subcompact crossover SUV. It is 70.1 inches wide, 65.2 inches tall, and 168.4 inches long. The GX model is 71.4 inches wide, 64.1 inches tall, and 171.4 inches long.
Of course, that is only the exterior dimensions. Keep reading as we break down all the numbers. We'll cover the difference between the Encore and GX in interior dimensions, including headroom, legroom, and more. This article will also illustrate the available cargo space, with the rear seats up or down. We'll also explain just what the Encore Preferred is. Finally, we'll compare it to some other similar SUVs, like the Nissan Rogue, Chevy Trax, and Chevy Equinox.
How Much Room Is In A Buick Encore?
According to Buick's official records, the Encore can seat up to five people. There are roughly 38 inches of headroom in the front or back row. There are approximately 52 inches of shoulder room and 50 inches of hip room.
The front row is slightly larger than the back. As a result, each of these measurements is an inch or so larger in the front row, as compared to the back. The difference, however, is negligible (always less than 2 inches).
The GX is a slightly larger model. While the headroom is roughly the same, the shoulder room is about 54 inches. There is also approximately 52 inches of hip room in the front row, and 47.5 inches in the rear seats.
How Much Legroom Does A Buick Encore Have?
The most sizeable difference between the front and rear row of seats is in the legroom. In the front row, the Encore offers 40 inches of legroom. The back row only provides 35 inches.
How Long Is A 2020 Buick Encore?
What Is The Overall Length Of A 2021 Buick Encore?
The 2021 model is the same length as in 2020. The standard is 168 inches long, and the GX is 171 inches.
In fact, the size has remained the same since the Encore first came out in 2013. The GX is more recent and hasn't been available as long. It was not introduced until the 2020 model year.
How Big Is The Back Of A Buick Encore?
The back row of seating can fold down, either partially or fully. It has a 60-40 split seat. This allows you to keep one or two seats open while still maximizing the space.
When the seats are completely folded in, it offers a total of 48 cubic feet in the Encore. The GX, which is slightly larger, has a total of 50 cubic feet of storage with the seats down.
How Long Is Cargo Space In Buick Encore?
The GX is a few inches longer than the regular Encore. As a result, the cargo space increases as well. It goes from 18.8 cubic feet in the Encore to 23.5 cubic feet in the GX. Of course, you can always fold down the rear seats for even more room.
Which Is Bigger - Buick Encore vs. Nissan Rogue?
Both the Buick Encore and the Nissan Rogue seat five people. The Rogue is a little more than a foot longer at 184 inches. It's also slightly taller at 67 inches. The Rogue is considered a compact SUV while the Encore is a subcompact.
The biggest difference is in the cargo room. The Rogue's cargo space is 36 cubic feet, which is essentially double the 18.8 cubic feet of the Encore. With the seats down, the Rogue has 73 cubic feet available for cargo.
If you're interested in Rogues, check out this article: Is the Nissan Rogue a Good Car?
Which Is Bigger - Buick Encore vs. Chevy Trax?
Both the Buick Encore and the Chevy Trax are considered subcompact crossover SUVs. As a result, they're nearly identical in size. Both can seat five people.
According to Garber Buick GMC car sales, both vehicles have a 100-inch wheelbase. The Encore is a mere .8 inches longer and .4 inches taller - barely even noticeable. Because of the similar size, the cargo space is the same as well.
Which Is Bigger - Buick Encore vs. Chevy Equinox?
The Buick Encore and the Chevy Equinox both have enough room for 5 people. However, the Encore has significantly less cargo space with a mere 18.8 cubic feet and a maximum of 48 cubic feet. The Equinox boasts almost 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats. With the seats folded down, it has a maximum of 63.9 cubic feet.
The front seat of both vehicles has comparable head and legroom. However, the backseat of the Equinox is roomier, with 40 inches of legroom compared to the Encore's 35 inches.
The Encore is also thinner at 70 inches, making it easier to park. At 73 inches wide, the Equinox won't fit into a small parking space quite as readily as the Encore. The Equinox is considered a compact SUV, like the Nissan Rogue.
Want to learn more about the Equinox? Check out Is a Chevy Equinox a Good Car? [And is it a good fit for YOUR needs?]
What Is The Difference Between The Encore And GX?

What Is The Encore Preferred?
The Encore Preferred is a trim option. It comes with many upgrades and special features not available in the traditional Encore. It also costs slightly more - the 2021 MSRP is $25,595 compared to the base Encore at $24,195. The Encore GX is also available with the Preferred trim.
Some of the upgrades include:
- Available power moonroof
- Available side blind zone alert
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability
- Available remote start
- Buick QuietTuning Technology
In Closing
The Buick Encore is available as a standard or GX model. The standard Encore measures 70 inches wide, 168 inches long, and 65 inches tall. It provides 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space or 48 cubic feet with the backseat down. The Encore has had the same measurements since it was first introduced in 2013.
The GX is slightly bigger, at 71 inches wide and 171 inches long, but only 64 inches tall. The GX, introduced in 2020, is a newer spin on the classic Encore. It has 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space or 50 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Either model is available as a Preferred trim option, with special features and upgrades.