2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of Jaguar Land Rover's long-standing tradition in crafting upscale SUVs. Its design was a testament to elegance, with features like pop-out door handles adding to its allure, despite concerns about reliability. The Velar's aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its sleek, sporty profile reminiscent of the larger Range Rover, yet distinct in its lowered stance. The vehicle's design elements, such as the trapezoidal roof and signature grille, were unmistakably Range Rover, while subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and flush door handles enhanced its streamlined appearance. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack, with advanced technology integrated into its three-screen setup.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's historical design legacy, presenting a more modern yet less distinctive look. Its rounded surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that lacked the SUV appeal that buyers sought. 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 expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels lacked creativity, though the instrument cluster's design was a notable highlight.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience unlike previous Land Rovers. Its lower centre of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking. The base engine, a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, delivered 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. While not thrilling, it provided adequate acceleration. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system offered 335 hp or 395 hp, enhancing performance and efficiency. The Velar's Terrain Response system and optional air suspension added versatility, though its off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Encore GX's acceleration was stronger than expected, though power delivery was not smooth. Its ride quality and quiet cabin were highlights, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous, with slow steering and significant body roll, detracting from the driving experience.

The Velar's interior space was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, offering 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The lack of a discrete parking brake control was a design flaw, complicating basic operations. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the redesign of critical controls was frustrating.

The Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Cargo capacity was respectable at 665 litres with rear seats up and 1,422 litres folded. However, front seats were cramped and lacked comfort. Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, though the absence of a 360-degree camera button was noted.

The Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. Voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation were highlights. Standard features included LED headlights, power seats, and a Meridian sound system, though adaptive cruise control was not as advanced as competitors.

The Encore GX featured an 8-inch touchscreen and standard connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface was user-friendly, with graphics superior to many rivals. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The screen size was adequate, fitting well within the dashboard design.

The Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist, with optional adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The rearview camera mirror enhanced visibility, though child-seat anchor ease of use was rated lower.