2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling, aligning it with Volkswagen's larger models, and included standard LED headlights and redesigned aluminum wheels. The interior of the Tiguan Highline R-Line was upscale, with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, although the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastics. The R-Line models offered a sportier look, and the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition added a trendy blacked-out appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with its sibling, the Encore, featuring a trapezoidal grille and similar styling elements. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST package enhanced its look with sportier elements, while new exterior paint options added variety. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated steering wheel added convenience, although some controls were cumbersome.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD, with driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's handling was nimble, but its performance was hindered by turbo lag and a lack of power. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The Tiguan's ride was comfortable, but pushing it for performance revealed limitations in its tires and suspension.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The engine was surprisingly capable, though a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration. While it handled adequately, it lacked inspiring driving dynamics. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its performance was best suited for urban and highway driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The two-row configuration provided ample cargo capacity, with up to 2,078 litres available. The cabin was comfortable, with power-adjustable leather seats and excellent visibility. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while compact, offered a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. Front-seat space was adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space was reasonable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. The controls were user-friendly, and visibility was excellent, aided by an optional camera-based rearview mirror.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges and the MIB3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM. The Highline R-Line offered a 10.25-inch display, navigation, and a premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered Park Assist and other driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX provided decent tech, with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It offered a range of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with easy Bluetooth pairing and efficient voice recognition. The Encore GX also included a Convenience package with features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. It offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist for enhanced safety. The 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to maintain or improve this rating.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver-assistance features and optional safety upgrades. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with varying headlight ratings. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.