2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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, a high beltline, and similar headlight and front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Its bold front end and cleverly engineered sliding doors, which concealed the slider channel, gave it a more assertive stance. The Sienna's interior was designed with family convenience in mind, offering ample storage, comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, and a versatile cargo area. The second-row seats could slide significantly, facilitating easy access to the third row. The Sienna's cabin was spacious and practical, with power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, making it a family-friendly choice.

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. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this powertrain provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While the engine was a bit noisy, it offered sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. However, the Encore GX's ride quality was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was more suited to urban environments.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain that combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 243 horsepower. This setup offered impressive fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in city driving and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. The hybrid system provided smooth power delivery, and the Sienna's ride was comfortable and composed, making it an excellent choice for long family trips.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of access, with well-placed seat hip points and clearly marked controls. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat space was a bit tight for three adults. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, with a spacious interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood. Its cargo capacity was impressive, offering 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, along with its flexible seating arrangements, made it a versatile family vehicle. With a towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms, the Sienna was well-suited for various family adventures.

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 built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured a range of driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The available tech package added advanced features like a head-up display and HD surround vision, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna boasted a comprehensive suite of technology features, including a standard 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While it lacked wireless connectivity for these features, the Sienna offered a rear-seat entertainment system and a premium JBL audio system on higher trims. The Sienna's tech package included a digital rearview mirror, remote keyless entry, and a Smart Key System on higher trims, providing convenience and connectivity for families on the go.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed admirably in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The Encore GX's top trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH connectors for child seats, making it a safe choice for families.