2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, making it challenging to distinguish between the two, especially in similar colours. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, a high beltline, and similar headlight and front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance compared to the shorter Encore. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced the Encore GX's aesthetics 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, though it wasn't considered truly premium. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's two-line lighting signature, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design included a unique shoulder line and accent lines around the side windows, setting it apart from other Genesis models. Offered in six grades, the GV70 came with either a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, with the latter available in Sport and Sport Plus grades. The Sport grades boasted dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the 21-inch alloy wheels. The GV70's interior was designed with an elliptical theme, inspired by airplane wings, and featured premium materials like quilted leather and carbon fibre inserts. The cabin offered a range of colour combinations, providing a personalized touch for buyers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its small size, the engine provided adequate power for highway merging and steep inclines, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a ride that wasn't as smooth as expected from a Buick. Noise, vibration, and harshness levels were more intrusive than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was best suited for urban environments.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for better traction. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, though Sport mode was more suitable for everyday use. The electronically controlled suspension system provided a balance between comfort and road feedback, and the GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of entry and exit, with seat hip points positioned for convenience. Controls were clearly marked and easy to operate, and the elevated ride height improved visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. 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 practicality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was designed with the driver in mind, featuring a tall centre console that separated the driver from the front passenger. The intuitive controls, including a dial-based gear selector, were within easy reach. The GV70's climate controls were configured under a single pane, providing haptic feedback for ease of use. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage options were limited. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor when not in use.

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 built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured OnStar telematics and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional tech included a navigation system, HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package added features like automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and a split-screen layout. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the vehicle's status. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. The GV70 also included four USB ports, two for each row.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a range of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision warning. Teen Driver technology allowed owners to monitor driving habits and set limits. The Encore GX received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, headlight ratings varied, with the top trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with ten safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. As of publication, the GV70 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its onboard systems were of high quality.