2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Toyota Venza

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled 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, 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, although the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were somewhat cumbersome.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, was built on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several other Toyota and Lexus models. It featured a sleek, modern design with a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was Lexus-like, with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The cabin was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample room for three adults in the rear. The available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space. The Venza's design was more suited to urban environments than off-road adventures.

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 came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive in Canada. The engine was capable, though a bit noisy, and the stop/start feature could be annoying. While the Encore GX handled adequately, its ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration. It wasn't designed for off-roading, but it managed gravel driveways and dirt patches without issue.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for efficiency and performance, with electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. The Venza offered agile handling and a comfortable ride, though it wasn't built for aggressive cornering. Its hybrid system was efficient, with regenerative braking helping to recharge the battery.

The 2022 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 ample, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, accommodating three adults comfortably. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the Star Gaze sunroof. The Venza provided numerous convenience features, including power-adjustable front seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage. Cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with it folded. The Venza's cabin was designed for quiet travel, with extensive sound insulation.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included navigation, HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package added wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio. Higher trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, navigation, and a head-up display. The Venza's hybrid system included a Predicted Efficient Drive program to optimize battery charging. Toyota Connected Services offered various safety and convenience features. The infotainment system was comprehensive and well-integrated.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features, with options for additional safety tech. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars overall. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with varying headlight ratings. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera on higher trims.