2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, 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 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, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged look with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. The design softened along the sides with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, adding visual weight. The rear echoed the grille's shape, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element that added interest and storage options. The Bronze Edition introduced for 2022 included unique bronze alloy wheels and door sills, but the light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif was less practical for families. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing than alternatives, and the third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children.

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, offering a surprisingly capable performance despite some engine harshness. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noise, vibration, and harshness levels more intrusive than anticipated. While it handled adequately, the driving dynamics were uninspiring, and it wasn't designed for off-roading.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It used a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, with a subtle engine hum under light acceleration. The ride quality was soft, and the suspension smoothed over bumps, providing a comfortable experience. The cabin remained mostly quiet on the highway, though the engine drone was noticeable when pushed.

The Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and excellent visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded, accommodating items up to eight feet in length. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The Encore GX offered decent tech with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, 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 test vehicle featured HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a Convenience package with wireless phone charging and rain-sensing wipers.

The Highlander Hybrid's technology included an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and separate climate controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and a JBL premium audio system were available on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features and Teen Driver technology. It earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum trim offered a surround view camera and head-up display. The safety systems generally worked well, though some features required fine-tuning.