2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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, 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 Sequoia was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its second-generation look for 14 years. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt out of place among modern SUVs. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model added a touch of modernity, showcasing Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

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, providing adequate power for merging and highway driving. Despite its small size, the engine was capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of three-cylinder engines. The Encore GX's ride was noisier than expected, with noise, vibration, and harshness levels more intrusive than anticipated. While it handled well, the driving dynamics were uninspiring, and it was not designed for off-roading.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential and two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia boasted a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent highway performance and off-road capabilities. Its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension contributed to its controlled ride and off-road prowess.

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 tight. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor, creating a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with adjustable height settings for ease of use.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo compartment offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The Sequoia's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage options and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area for added convenience.

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 Driver Confidence package included safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Our test vehicle featured additional tech options, such as HD surround vision, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modernity of its competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. Despite its dated tech, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The Encore GX's front crash prevention systems received "Superior" ratings, though its headlights varied in performance across trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The Sequoia's robust construction and safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.