2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with its trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and high beltline. It featured a slightly longer wheelbase, giving it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) package enhanced its aesthetics with body-colour moldings, 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. The controls were user-friendly, although the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, despite exterior updates, retained its familiar look, reminiscent of a smaller Grand Cherokee. The Trailhawk Elite trim elevated its premium appeal with 19-inch wheels and a sophisticated interior. The redesigned dashboard, luxury-grade leather seats, and improved sound insulation contributed to a more upscale feel. The Compass lineup ranged from the base Sport to the top-tier Trailhawk Elite, with prices reflecting the added features and capabilities.

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, it offered adequate power for merging and highway driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. It was not designed for off-roading, but handled gravel and dirt roads with ease.

The 2022 Jeep Compass featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, delivering 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, it was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for 4WD models. The transmission prioritized fuel efficiency, resulting in a less engaging driving experience. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with multiple driving modes and was capable of light off-roading. However, its drivetrain was the least appealing aspect, with slow acceleration and a noisy engine.

The Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided ample front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat space was tighter, and fitting three adults was challenging. Cargo capacity was 665 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with them folded. The two-level cargo floor and hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The Jeep Compass offered a spacious interior for four adults, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a redesigned dashboard. The cargo area provided 770 litres behind the rear seats and 1,693 litres with them folded. The Compass's interior upgrades for 2022 improved its premium feel, with a new centre console and available dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

The Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with efficient voice recognition.

The Compass featured the new Uconnect 5 system, offering faster response times and a customizable interface. It supported wireless smartphone integration, satellite radio, and over-the-air updates. The voice recognition system was generally accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. The available 10.1-inch touchscreen and premium sound system enhanced the tech experience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with some variations in headlight performance.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring available from the Trailhawk grade. While crash test results were not yet available, the Compass aimed to enhance safety with future updates like Highway Assist.