2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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 front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) 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 heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was a nice touch, despite some cumbersome rotary toggles.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable. The Bronco was available in nine trims, each with its unique charm, from the basic Base trim to the top-tier Raptor. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. It offered practical features like drain plugs, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and customizable handholds. While not as refined as typical SUVs, the Bronco's interior was designed for durability, and it was quieter than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart.

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, it provided adequate power for daily driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's handling was stable but uninspiring, and its ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. Despite its SUV label, it wasn't suited for off-roading, handling only light gravel and dirt paths.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options. The base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 2.7-litre V6 delivered 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The top-tier Raptor boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos featured a four-wheel drive system and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with a bouncy yet manageable ride on highways. It was quieter than the Jeep Wrangler and offered a confident driving experience, though its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with ample front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat space was tighter, and fitting three adults was challenging. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided generous interior space, especially in the four-door model. The two-door version required some effort to access the rear seats. Up front, there were practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray. The two-door Bronco offered 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door model provided even more space, though the rear seats didn't fold flat. The Bronco's removable fenders and doors added to its off-road appeal.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and optional blind-spot monitoring. The tech package added navigation, voice recognition, and a head-up display. The system was intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes for off-road optimization, along with numerous camera views for navigating challenging terrain. The Trail Turn Assist feature enhanced maneuverability. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display. The tech features catered to both off-road enthusiasts and everyday users.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with standard driver-assistance features and optional upgrades. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system added to its safety credentials.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with standard features like forward collision warning and hill-start assist. Optional packages added advanced driver-assistance features, though the Bronco lagged behind more conventional SUVs in terms of standard safety equipment.