2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash design with contrasting colours and surfaces, creating a sophisticated and detailed look. The centre console was a standout feature, offering ample storage space and a modern electronic gear selector. The cabin was spacious, with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a roomy second row, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's historical design cues, presenting a more modern but less distinctive look. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that didn't quite capture the SUV aesthetic. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall effect was understated. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and a range of features, but the interior design felt reminiscent of older automotive styles. The dashboard and door panels lacked visual interest, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a notable highlight.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's performance was significantly enhanced by its new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a notable improvement over the previous model, delivering lively performance and impressive fuel efficiency. The Rogue's CVT transmission offered a wide range of gear ratios, providing smooth acceleration and responsive passing power. The chassis and suspension handled the new engine's power with ease, ensuring a controlled and comfortable ride. The electric power-assisted steering added to the driving experience, making the Rogue a well-rounded performer.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While the engine provided adequate acceleration, it required a patient approach to throttle applications due to its small displacement and turbocharger reliance. The nine-speed automatic transmission sometimes struggled to find the right gear, impacting smooth power delivery. However, the Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. Despite these strengths, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward in handling, with slow and lifeless steering.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue impressed with its thoughtful interior design, offering numerous storage options for both front and rear passengers. The cabin featured bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and various cubbies, ensuring ample space for personal items. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed additional storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, with up to 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded, making it a practical choice for carrying larger loads.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned closely together, affecting the sense of spaciousness. While the front seats were well-cushioned, they lacked thigh support, impacting comfort. The Encore GX offered 665 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expandable to 1,422 litres when folded. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX made efficient use of space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety and convenience. The Intelligent Key system allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors, catering to families with rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional upgrades included a built-in navigation system, a head-up display, and a premium Bose audio system. The interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, offering a familiar and intuitive experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue offered the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite as standard across all trims, including features like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision warning. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring were available as options. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, with top ratings in crash tests.