2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 in higher trims, though some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, maintaining Jeep's traditional design elements. It featured a forward-leaning grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a lowered beltline reminiscent of the classic 1963 Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee's interior was luxurious, especially in the Summit Reserve trim, with quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. The base Laredo trim, while more basic, still offered quality materials and comfort. Visibility was improved, and the cabin felt airy, thanks to the available panoramic sunroof.

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. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the engine was capable, it was somewhat noisy and harsh. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration. It was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was uninspiring.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more robust performance options. It came with a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,812 kg. A 5.7-litre V8 engine was available, providing 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,265 kg. The Grand Cherokee featured three 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Drive II offering serious off-roading capabilities. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, with features like an electronic locking rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, and it felt nimble and athletic.

Despite its small size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided adequate space for front-seat passengers, with good headroom and legroom. Rear-seat knee room was tight, and fitting three adults in the back was unlikely. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable cabin for front passengers, with heated seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. Higher trims added ventilated seats and massagers. Rear-seat legroom was tight, and the Grand Cherokee L provided more space. Cargo capacity was 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with them folded. The Grand Cherokee's design improved visibility, and the available panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's airy feel.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional tech included a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a rear camera mirror. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Most trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch screen available. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L. The Grand Cherokee also offered a front passenger interactive display and a high-end McIntosh audio system.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver-assistance features and optional upgrades. It earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for halogen headlights. The Encore GX also had "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver-assistance systems and a safety cage made of aluminum and high-strength steel. It included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. A hands-free version of this system was expected in 2022, allowing for more autonomous driving on approved roads.