2022 Jeep Wrangler 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, 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 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 some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was known for its rugged and iconic design, available in both two-door and four-door body styles. The Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and a plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were obstructed. The Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability, with features like a removable roof and doors, making it a unique and immersive driving experience.

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 Encore GX delivered adequate power for everyday driving. However, its driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a ride that was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was best suited for urban environments.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, generating 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and touchy brakes, but it offered a sense of freedom and adventure that few vehicles could match.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and user-friendly experience. It offered easy ingress and egress, with controls that were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The Encore GX's cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded, with a two-level cargo floor for added convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's design made entry and exit challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a driving position close to the steering wheel and windshield. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but found agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded. However, storage options were limited, and the tailgate required careful handling.

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 adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's tech package was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a basic 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features, the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and heated front seats, but wind noise could affect voice command effectiveness.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a range of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, headlight performance varied by trim level.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required careful driving.