2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and polarizing design, which over time became more familiar on the roads. Its blunt, bulbous nose and floating roof design gave it a distinctive look, though some elements like the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. Despite its unique styling, the Highlander Hybrid's appearance was expected to become more subdued with time. Inside, the Platinum trim offered a two-tone leather interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, though reflections and a mix of illumination colours could be distracting. The overall quality was high, but some details, like the hollow-sounding instrument-panel shroud, detracted from the premium feel.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with its sibling, the Encore, featuring Buick's signature grille and similar styling cues. The Encore GX, slightly longer, appeared less stubby and more refined, especially with the optional ST appearance package. Inside, the cabin was attractive with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated steering wheel added comfort. However, the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were cumbersome. Overall, the Encore GX offered a user-friendly and comfortable interior, though not truly premium.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing its output to 243 horsepower but improving fuel efficiency to 6.7 L/100 km. While this was progress in terms of efficiency, the driving experience suffered. The engine felt strained during acceleration, and the steering was lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the ride was marred by unwanted body movement. On smooth roads, handling was capable, but rougher terrain revealed its shortcomings. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in urban environments with its electric motor torque and EV Mode, but overall, it lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX featured a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Despite its small size, the engine was surprisingly capable, though it was a bit buzzy. The nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD provided adequate power for highway merging. However, the ride was noisier than expected, and the driving dynamics were uninspiring. The Encore GX handled well on regular roads but wasn't designed for off-roading. Overall, it offered a practical driving experience with some noise and vibration issues.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and heated, ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable and cramped. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with seats folded. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger blocked access to storage.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, though compact, offered a comfortable interior with easy ingress and egress. Front-seat space was adequate, but rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The two-level cargo floor and fold-flat seats allowed for versatile storage. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and controls were well-placed for easy operation.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a suite of connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. However, the sound system's performance varied, and the voice recognition system didn't control climate settings. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while the driver information display offered detailed data.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX featured an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The tech package included navigation, voice recognition, and customizable settings. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the voice-recognition system performed well. The Convenience package added features like wireless charging and rain-sensing wipers, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and emergency steering assistance. The system was effective but occasionally felt uneven. The Highlander earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings were slightly lower.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features and optional safety enhancements. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were included. The Encore GX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, headlight ratings varied by trim, with the top trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating.