2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with both models sharing Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase, which gave it a more elongated appearance compared to the stubby look of the 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 considered truly premium. The controls were straightforward, and the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, though some found the rotary toggles cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a more luxurious and spacious SUV, extending the classic Grand Cherokee design by over 30 centimetres. The High Altitude package on our Hydro Blue test model added a bold look with blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims boasted impressive interiors with high-quality materials, though some hard plastics were present. The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious, with second-row captain's chairs and a third row that was best suited for children. The dashboard featured a polished black finish with an optional touchscreen, and the gear selector and driving mode toggles felt appropriately damped. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the engine was capable, it was somewhat buzzy and harsh, typical of a small three-cylinder. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a ride that wasn't as settled as expected from a Buick, and noise levels were higher than anticipated despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was best suited for urban environments.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, on the other hand, offered a choice between a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 was considered underwhelming, while the V8 provided better towing capacity and a more satisfying sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was solid, offering confident handling, especially with the air suspension. The steering could have been more responsive, but the overall handling was top-notch for its class. The Grand Cherokee L featured three different 4WD systems, providing excellent off-road capabilities, and the air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were straightforward, and the controls were clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded, with a two-level cargo floor for added convenience. The optional hands-free power liftgate was a useful feature for those with limited reach.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L benefited from its extended wheelbase, providing ample legroom for second-row passengers. The second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 bench seat available as an option. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the third row, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's cargo capacity was among the best in its class, and the power liftgate and dual-pane panoramic sunroof added to its appeal.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The tech package added navigation, a head-up display, and a rear camera mirror. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. The system was generally quick and easy to use, though some legibility issues were noted. The Grand Cherokee L offered a range of tech features, including night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras. The optional McIntosh sound system provided good audio quality, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

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

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover, where it scored four stars. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras.