2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. The vehicle's interior mirrored the Wagoneer but boasted higher-quality materials and additional convenience features, such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional ventilated second-row seats.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to its sibling, the Encore, offered a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, giving it a more refined silhouette. The Encore GX was particularly appealing with the optional ST appearance package, which added sporty elements like custom grille and sport bumpers. Inside, the Encore GX provided a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The vehicle's controls were straightforward, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX managed to offer a pleasant driving experience with its well-designed interior.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer was equipped for off-road adventures, although its size limited its trail capabilities. The vehicle's ride was smooth at lower speeds, but its handling felt ungainly at higher speeds.

In 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. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its small size, the engine provided adequate power for highway merging and city driving. However, the Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. While the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, it handled everyday driving conditions with ease, offering a practical and efficient driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, although front-row space was more limited. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a cargo capacity of 775 litres with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its heavier weight. The vehicle featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system to aid visibility.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat knee room was tight, and fitting three adults in the back was unlikely. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear bench seat and 1,422 litres with the seat folded. It featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of use, with clearly marked controls and excellent visibility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The McIntosh audio system and 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot enhanced connectivity, while second-row passengers enjoyed their own touchscreen for climate control. The Uconnect 5 system offered over-the-air updates, although the screen response was occasionally slow. Optional features included a rear-seat entertainment system and a front passenger touchscreen for added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a solid tech package with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle included standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional tech upgrades included a navigation system, HD surround vision, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition, making it accessible even for those less comfortable with technology.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review. It came standard with a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional safety features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with plans for a future hands-free version.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. It featured standard driver-assistance technologies and optional upgrades like Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. The Encore GX's safety features provided comprehensive protection, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.