2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-colour moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The controls were straightforward, although the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave was a larger, more luxurious SUV that had undergone a significant transformation over the years. It featured a refreshed exterior with a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim level boasted unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with premium materials, especially in the Avenir trim. The restyled centre console and climate-controlled seats added to the luxury feel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

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 all-wheel drive, the engine was surprisingly capable, though a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was not as smooth as expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, handling only light gravel and dirt paths.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's all-wheel-drive system and premium ride suspension provided a smooth and quiet ride, even on rough terrain. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, offering good acceleration for its size. The Enclave's cabin was serene, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning technology, which rivaled luxury vehicles in terms of noise reduction.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat space was tighter, and fitting three adults in the back was challenging. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers in all three rows. The third row was comfortable even for taller passengers, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats and hands-free liftgate further enhanced its practicality.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available tech package included navigation, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration and wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported multiple device connections and offered a familiar interface. The Enclave also included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with some variations in headlight ratings.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.