2023 Nissan Rogue 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, a 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) 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 in higher trims, though some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed with a rugged yet appealing look, featuring chiseled styling and SUV detailing that conveyed a sense of purpose. The Rogue was available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of interior lighting and convenience features. The Rogue's interior was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity seats for the front passengers, though the rear seats were less comfortable. The Rogue's design was practical, with good visibility and a user-friendly layout, though the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast.

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 also buzzy and harsh, and the ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. The Encore GX's handling was uninspiring, and it was not suited for off-roading, though it managed gravel driveways and dirt patches with ease.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered multiple driving modes. The Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on highways. The ride quality was generally good, with Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control enhancing cornering and ride comfort. However, the steering felt lifeless, and the tires provided modest grip.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comfortable interior with adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. The rear seat was tight for three adults, but cargo space was reasonable, with 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 2023 Nissan Rogue was designed as a family car replacement, offering ample space for four adults and a fifth passenger when needed. The Platinum trim included premium features like a panoramic sunroof and heated front seats. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space with the rear seats up and 2,064 litres with them folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of driver-assistance features. Optional tech included a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a Convenience package with wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue used an older infotainment system with an eight or nine-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had a Bose audio system and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the voice recognition system struggled with certain tasks, and the key fob design was criticized for its lack of contrast.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped 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, though headlight ratings varied by trim.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered extensive safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received lower scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.