2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to the standard Encore, featured a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, making it look less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its look with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on the top Essence trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls made for a user-friendly experience, although the rotary toggles embedded in the spokes were a bit cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 195 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 hp and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with the 1.6-liter turbo engine and AWD, provided more than adequate power and was a pleasure to drive, both in the city and on the highway. The Kona's handling was composed, and the cabin was quieter than expected for its price point.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter unit producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter motor making 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter unit was standard on the top Essence trim. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. Our test vehicle, equipped with the 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT, provided adequate power, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was noisier than expected, and its driving dynamics were uninspiring. However, the CVT did not drone, which was a plus.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, offered ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced small door openings, limited headroom, and compromised legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Towing was not recommended.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with adequate headroom and legroom. Rear-seat knee room was tight, and fitting three adults in the back was unlikely. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet in length with the front passenger seat and rear seats folded flat. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech for 2022. The base SE trim featured an 8-inch display, while the SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was optional on the N Line and standard on the Limited and Kona N. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base 8-inch screen, while the larger screen only offered wired versions. The Kona also featured Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims, and Hyundai Blue Link services.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered decent tech for the price. An eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, front and rear USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. A navigation system and built-in Amazon Alexa capability were available on higher trims. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded infotainment system. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" ratings for child-seat anchors.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also standard. The Encore GX earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights.