2022 Toyota Highlander 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 and fog light designs. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance compared to the shorter Encore. 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 user-friendly, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, showcased a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and distinctive third-row window design contributed to a more compact visual impression, despite its spacious interior. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with varying levels of luxury and technology, from the base LE with standard AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the top-tier Platinum trim with premium features like a panoramic moonroof and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Highlander's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering clever storage solutions and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, providing adequate power for everyday driving. While the engine was a bit noisy and the ride less refined than expected, it managed to handle highway merging and steep inclines competently. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were generally uninspiring, with a noisier cabin than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. The vehicle was not designed for off-roading, but it handled gravel driveways and dirt patches with ease.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD. The Highlander offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, particularly at highway speeds, with a throaty exhaust note during acceleration. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension provided a balance between comfort and reduced body roll, making it enjoyable to drive on various terrains. The Highlander also boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for those needing to haul trailers or boats.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a surprisingly comfortable interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was a bit tight for adults. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and expanded to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor, allowing for a flat load surface when the rear seats were down. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, especially for those with limited reach.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility. With the second- and third-row seats folded, it provided up to 2,387 litres of cargo space. Even with all seats in use, it offered 453 litres behind the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep door pockets, multiple cupholders, and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin. The XSE trim's second-row captain's chairs added comfort and accessibility to the third row, though the latter was best suited for short trips. The power liftgate, standard on higher trims, further enhanced the Highlander's user-friendly design.

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. The vehicle also featured OnStar telematics and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional tech included a navigation system, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. The Convenience package added features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging. The Encore GX's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with clear app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, supported by hard buttons for ease of use. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available on higher trims. The Highlander's infotainment system was straightforward, blending modern technology with traditional controls, making it accessible for all users.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology, a tire-fill alert system, and a suite of driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It earned a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its comprehensive safety offerings.