2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models shared Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, making them difficult to distinguish at a glance. However, the Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length 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, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims, though some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a larger SUV that offered a more substantial presence on the road. It underwent a light restyle for the model year, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The RS trim, which our test vehicle sported, included blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding to its visual appeal. Inside, the Traverse RS boasted black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and a spacious cabin. While hard plastics were present, the overall design was logical and user-friendly, with matte-finish switchgear reducing glare. The Traverse's interior was well-suited for families, offering ample space and comfort.

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, this powertrain was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small engines. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a ride that was noisier than expected for a Buick. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, handling only light gravel and dirt with ease.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for the Traverse's size, and it was capable of towing up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, enhancing its versatility. While the V6 engine could whine under acceleration, it was well-suited for highway cruising and mountain driving, offering a pleasant ride quality and predictable handling.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable experience for occupants. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of entry and exit, with well-placed seat hip points and clearly marked controls. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The Encore GX offered 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. A two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, accommodating up to seven passengers with its captain's chairs in the RS trim. The vehicle featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 651 litres behind the third row and 1,637 litres with the seats folded. The Traverse also offered hidden storage compartments and a maximum cargo volume of 2,781 litres, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included a navigation system, HD surround vision, and a Convenience package with wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LS model, with an 8-inch display on higher trims. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system and a digital rearview mirror. The Traverse's infotainment system was praised for its excellent voice recognition, making it easy to use while driving.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a range of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. It performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, its headlights received mixed ratings, with the top trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received "Good" ratings from the IIHS in most categories but was rated "Acceptable" in the new side impact test and "Poor" for its LED headlights and seatbelt reminders.