2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, which was evident in its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. Sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, the Suburban's appearance was undeniably supersized. With six available trims, buyers had a range of customization options, although the body style remained singular. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin, with the RST trim featuring Jet Black perforated leather seats and Victory Red stitching. However, the predominantly black interior made the cabin feel somewhat dark despite its spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, opting for a more modern, albeit awkward, exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with unique bumpers and a black mesh grille, but the changes were subtle. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, but the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a dated design, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a notable feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, providing excellent fuel efficiency and towing capability. The RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-litre V8, which made towing a breeze, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Encore GX offered AWD as standard. While acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, the driving experience was marred by slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel awkward in most situations.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was notably spacious, with ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power-sliding centre console and numerous storage cubbies added to its practicality. However, its large size made it challenging to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, and the switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick made efficient use of space with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of tech options, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 10.2-inch version available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were standard, while audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose 10-speaker system. The RST test vehicle had a mid-level nine-speaker Bose system, which was decent but not as impressive as the premium option.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included built-in navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and a well-organized interface. Despite the small screen size, it was sufficient for the dashboard design.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.