2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, 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, 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 quite premium. The controls were user-friendly, although the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were somewhat cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant and recognizable SUV, embodying Jeep's iconic design elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The Grand Cherokee L was 29 centimetres longer than the standard model, accommodating a third row of seats. Its interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials such as real wood and Palermo leather. The design was reminiscent of a Mercedes, offering a sophisticated and tactile experience. The spacious cabin provided ample room for passengers, even in the third row, and the panoramic roof and large windows enhanced the sense of openness.

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 it exhibited some harshness typical of small three-cylinder engines. The Encore GX's ride was not as refined as expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. The vehicle's handling was adequate but uninspiring, and it was not designed for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8 delivered a robust 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing a versatile driving experience. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its five ride height settings and various driving modes, although it was primarily optimized for on-road comfort.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of access, with well-placed seat hip points and clearly marked controls. 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 convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a spacious interior with a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system. The vehicle offered ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-equipped, featuring a panoramic roof, multiple USB ports, and a large central cubby. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high. The vehicle's infotainment system occasionally lagged, and some graphics were difficult to read.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle included a range of driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional tech features included a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a Convenience package with wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, particularly in its upper trims. Features included massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and an Active Driving Assist system. The vehicle's infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist as standard. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed excellently in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in all crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, headlight ratings varied by trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.