2022 Volvo XC90 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, often referred to as "the shoe" due to its awkward proportions. The Encore GX offered a sleek and well-proportioned exterior, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look. The SUV provided a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The interior, however, did not match the exterior's refinement, with hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display that detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sophisticated and upscale design, reflecting Volvo's evolution from its boxy past. The XC90's exterior featured a poised stance, sleek roofline, and athletic wheel arches, complemented by the iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" luxury, with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery. The interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof, and offered a sanctuary from harsh weather conditions, thanks to its efficient air-conditioning system.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engine options. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Despite the turbocharging, the Encore GX's performance was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising but lacking refinement. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was inconsistent, and the vehicle struggled with noise insulation, despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts. The Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 250 horsepower, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 horsepower, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower. The XC90's driving experience was superb, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, especially in the T8 model. The XC90's engines required premium gasoline, and fuel economy varied by model, with the T8 offering an electric range of up to 36 miles. The XC90 handled like a smaller vehicle, providing a fun and engaging drive.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Encore GX included a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items, but the hands-free power liftgate was deemed unnecessary.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six- or seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children, while the second row provided more comfort. The XC90's cargo capacity ranged from 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row to 85.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. The SUV could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was well-utilized, with ample storage and a spacious cabin, enhanced by a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls. The test vehicle included a navigation system, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera, but lacked the optional Bose premium sound system.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered a 9-inch touchscreen with tablet-like functionality, though it was occasionally slow to respond. The system worked better with Apple CarPlay, and the XC90 also supported Android Auto. The vehicle included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system for superior audio quality. The XC90 provided multiple USB ports and a WiFi hotspot, along with the Volvo Care app for remote vehicle control.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with standard Buick Driver Confidence features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available, along with Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.