2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

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 styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, 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 considered truly premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a fold-down windshield. The Wrangler's design was simple yet functional, with wide fenders and old-school hood latches. The interior was practical, featuring easy-to-clean materials and a body-coloured dash. While storage space was limited, the Wrangler offered various top options for open-air driving, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick and easy access to the elements.

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, this powertrain was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small engines. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were generally uninspiring, with a ride that wasn't as settled as expected from a Buick. Despite Buick's QuietTuning technology, noise levels inside the cabin were more intrusive than anticipated. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its capabilities were limited to light gravel and dirt paths.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains to suit various off-roading needs. The standard Pentastar V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was unmatched, with solid axles, differential lockers, and various transfer cases for tackling challenging terrain.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and user-friendly experience. Ingress and egress were easy, and the controls were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The Encore GX offered 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for practicality, with comfortable front seats and a tight rear seat fit. Storage for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler offered 2,050 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler's various top options allowed for a customizable open-air experience, with the Sky One-Touch power soft top providing quick access to the elements. The Wrangler also featured multiple charging points, including USB ports and a 115-volt outlet.

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 available tech package included navigation, advanced voice recognition, and a head-up display. Safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler featured a 7-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Jeep's off-road pages provided valuable information for off-roading enthusiasts. While the Wrangler lacked some advanced tech features, it offered a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comprehensive suite of safety 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. However, its headlights received mixed ratings, with LED headlights on the top trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Additional safety features were available on higher trims or as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims receiving a "Poor" rating for headlights.