2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's upscale look. The interior saw improvements with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, giving it a more luxurious feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, making it a more refined choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX maintained a strong family resemblance to its sibling, the Encore, with its trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and high beltline. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) package added sporty elements like body-colour moldings, custom grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. While not truly premium, the interior was practical and well-suited for daily use, with features like heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put it at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered 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. Despite its small size, the engine was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness levels. While the power was adequate, the driving dynamics were uninspiring. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, but it handled gravel driveways and dirt patches with ease.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided a spacious and practical interior with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and heated front seats and mirrors were standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and controls were clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear bench and 1,422 litres with the seat folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim offered an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package. Our test vehicle had HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The tech package included an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and advanced voice recognition. The Convenience package added features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a range of driver-assistance features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the top Essence trim earning an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights. The Encore GX's crash prevention systems received "Superior" ratings.