2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, showcasing a revised exterior that included new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille. This update gave the Pacifica a more robust and muscular appearance, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained elements of its original sophisticated design, particularly noticeable as one moved from the front to the sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge prominently displayed at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which added darkened features and black accents to the exterior. Inside, the Pacifica balanced practicality and luxury, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which boasted premium materials like quilted Nappa leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The minivan's sound-deadening technology was also enhanced, providing a quieter ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with its sibling, the Encore, featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase, giving it a less stubby appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package added sporty elements like custom grille and sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. The interior of the Encore GX was attractive, with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery in the top Essence trim. The cabin was user-friendly, with clearly marked controls and excellent visibility. While the Encore GX was compact, it offered adequate front-seat space, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space was practical, with a two-level cargo floor and the ability to accommodate items up to eight feet in length.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kWh battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was an extra-cost option for the internal combustion engine models, while the hybrid models were front-wheel drive only. The AWD system was newly introduced, automatically activating when needed and deactivating to improve fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption rates of 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models slightly less efficient.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The engine was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small three-cylinder engines. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a less settled ride and more noise than expected from a Buick. Despite Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies, noise, vibration, and harshness levels were more intrusive. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, with its most challenging terrain being gravel driveways and dirt patches.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage space was ample, with an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating. The Pacifica's second- and third-row seats provided ample legroom, and the Stow 'n Go feature allowed for easy loading. The cargo area was spacious, offering best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while compact, was comfortable and easy to live with. Ingress and egress were straightforward, with controls and switchgear clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear bench seat and 1,422 litres with the seat folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and could accommodate items up to eight feet in length. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with adjustable maximum height settings.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience with a clean design. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second row's in-seat entertainment system was optional, with additional games available. The sound system options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered decent tech for its price, with a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. A navigation system was available on higher trims. The Encore GX's driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with various safety technologies. Our test vehicle included HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. The tech package also featured an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and advanced voice recognition.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, with most becoming available at the Touring-L grade. These included automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, with additional options available. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The SUV's headlights received varying ratings, with the top Essence trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal." The Encore GX received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.