2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying the brand's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a spacious and luxurious experience that harkened back to the brand's glory days. The Enclave's design was both modern and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a touch of sophistication through unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort, although the wood accents were not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that shared a strong family resemblance with its sibling, the Encore. Despite its smaller size, the Encore GX was a stylish and practical choice, especially with the optional Sport Touring package that enhanced its appearance. The interior was well-designed, with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. While it didn't offer the same level of luxury as the Enclave, the Encore GX provided a comfortable and functional cabin, with adequate space for passengers and cargo. The Encore GX's design was more about practicality and efficiency, appealing to those who preferred a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a robust 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's towing capacity was impressive, reaching up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, making it suitable for various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was reasonable for its size, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km for FWD models.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, featured a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the Enclave, the Encore GX's engine was surprisingly capable, providing adequate power for everyday driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD system contributed to a smooth and efficient ride. However, the Encore GX's driving dynamics were less inspiring, with a noisier cabin and less refined ride quality compared to the Enclave. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX offered decent fuel efficiency and practicality for its size.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for up to seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave's third-row seating was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area provided generous storage capacity, with up to 2,764 litres of space when the second-row seats were folded down.

In comparison, the 2022 Buick Encore GX was a smaller vehicle, but it still offered a comfortable and practical interior. The front seats provided adequate headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were a bit tighter. The cargo area was versatile, with a two-level floor and the ability to accommodate longer items when the seats were folded. The Encore GX's compact size made it easy to manoeuvre, and features like the optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience for everyday use.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered useful features like a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but the technology package was limited in terms of screen size and audio quality.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a more comprehensive tech package, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, and a range of driver-assistance features. The available tech package included navigation, advanced voice recognition, and a head-up display. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration. Additional features like automatic parking assist and a rear camera mirror added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package added advanced safety technologies. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver-assistance features, and additional options provided a comprehensive safety package. The Encore GX performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with varying headlight ratings depending on the trim. The Encore GX's safety features and strong crash-test performance made it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.