2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

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 and front fascia designs. 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 quite premium. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, though some found the rotary toggles cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, focusing on clean and simple lines. While not flashy, it exuded understated luxury, especially in the Eiger Grey paint with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack. Inside, the Range Rover Sport featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The cabin boasted Windsor leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a range of high-end features. Despite its luxurious interior, the rear seat was less accommodating for taller passengers, and the narrow door openings posed challenges for entry and exit. Cargo space was generous, with a 903-litre capacity that expanded to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded.

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, the engine delivered adequate power for daily driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness. While it handled well, the driving dynamics were uninspiring, and it wasn't designed for off-roading.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control. On-road, it provided a comfortable and quiet ride, though it didn't match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors. The adaptive damping air suspension and advanced driving modes enhanced its performance, but the steering lacked involvement, and there was noticeable body roll in tight curves.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comfortable and user-friendly interior. The elevated ride height provided excellent visibility, and the controls were easy to operate. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and expanded to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. However, the rear seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. Cargo space was generous, with a 903-litre capacity that expanded to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a deep bin under the centre armrest and a handy contraption to prevent items from rolling in the cargo area.

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 optional blind-spot monitoring. The tech package added advanced features like HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. While the Pivi Pro infotainment platform promised personalization, it often proved confusing and frustrating. The native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, and the system's complexity detracted from the user experience. However, the Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included, though it was challenging to access.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a range 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. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had advanced systems like Remote Park Assist and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, and the steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially on highway curves.