2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a design that was both conservative and timeless, appealing to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. Its refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered a range of trims in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices varied from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models, particularly the Highline R-Line, boasted a sportier look with options like Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick’s historical design cues, opting for a more modern but less distinctive look. Its rounded surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that didn’t quite capture the SUV aesthetic. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were minimal. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and a range of power-adjustable seats, but the interior’s plastic elements reminded occupants of its entry-level status. The dashboard and door panels had a dated design, though the instrument cluster was a highlight with its clear layout. Overall, the Encore GX’s design and interior didn’t quite match the expectations set by its competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers had access to multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, as well as Offroad settings. Despite its capabilities, the Tiguan’s engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Tiguan’s ride and handling were generally nimble and responsive, though it wasn’t particularly thrilling when pushed to its limits.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Encore GX’s acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, but power delivery wasn’t always smooth. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick’s Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though this compromised cargo space. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom similar to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was clear, though the lack of a 360-degree camera button was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard connectivity options included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics, though the screen size was modest.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring, was available, though its touch controls were tricky to use. Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s improvements could enhance its rating.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.