2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines on offer. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. Pricing ranged from $24,200 to $30,600, with the test model featuring the Essence trim and a 1.3-liter engine, but not AWD, costing $35,065. Despite its high price, the Encore GX's cabin quality was typical for the small SUV segment, though it had some design flaws, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced after a hiatus, rode on the proven Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, the Venza had excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side, emphasizing power. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch touchscreen display was well-placed, and the front seats were supportive and comfortable. The Venza's design was best suited for urban environments rather than off-road adventures.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, making the 3,000-lb. SUV feel sprightly. However, the 1.3-liter engine was the preferred choice, delivering 155 hp at 5,600 rpm and 174 lb-ft of torque at just 1,600 rpm. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for freeway cruising and light steering effort for easy maneuverability. The FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the Encore GX wasn't particularly quiet inside, and its ride quality was inconsistent. The SUV performed best on narrow, winding roads, where its nimble size and engine torque shone. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose between electric-only (EV) operation for short distances or Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, similar to the Camry, but its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering. The Venza was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable ride and performance that met expectations.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating features, but the back seat was less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. Interior storage was good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom in both. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, making it comfortable for three adults. The cabin featured numerous convenience items, such as an overhead console with LED map lights, power-adjustable front seats, an electric parking brake, and multiple storage compartments. The Venza offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin quiet, adding sound-blocking and absorbing materials throughout, resulting in a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available through the optional Convenience Package. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times, impressive voice recognition, and a simple interface.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it ideal for drivers without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a nine-speaker JBL audio system on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth connectivity. Toyota Connected Services offered various features, such as Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim added a head-up display (HUD) and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Venza's infotainment system was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Select and Essence trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, though its stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a few seconds. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured the Toyota Star Safety System, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. The Venza also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) suite of driver aids, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.