2022 Lexus NX 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 shared 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, 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 quite premium. The controls were straightforward, but the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX was redesigned with a focus on modernity and luxury. It came in four model series, with the NX 350 being the focal point of this review. The NX featured a bold spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate, reflecting Lexus's refined design philosophy. The interior was minimalist, with a decluttered dashboard and a focus on comfort, especially in models with heated and ventilated seats. The NX offered more passenger and cargo space than its predecessor, and the F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel. However, the integration of many functions into the touchscreen made some features less accessible.

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. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the engine was capable, it was a bit noisy and lacked the refinement expected from a Buick. The ride was not as smooth as anticipated, and noise levels inside the cabin were higher than expected. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was uninspiring.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350, offered a more dynamic driving experience. It featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport trim added adaptive variable sports suspension and larger wheels, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350 was smooth and responsive, with a credible 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. However, the engine's sound was not as refined as some German competitors. The NX was not suitable for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable experience for front-seat passengers, with adequate headroom and legroom. Rear-seat space was tighter, and fitting three adults in the back was challenging. The cargo area offered 665 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior space, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% to 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The tech package added a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and more. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, and cloud-based services. The system included a Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant for natural voice commands. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. The top Essence trim had "Acceptable" headlights, while lower trims received "Marginal" ratings. The Encore GX earned "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.