Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented a familiar yet refreshed design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues while introducing a sportier two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. This SUV offered a range of trims from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. The Grand Cherokee's exterior design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and headlights, a lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee maintained a high standard of quality across trims, with the Summit Reserve offering a plush experience with premium leather seats and advanced features like a McIntosh audio system.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design lineage, opting for a modern look that some found awkward due to its rounded surfaces and tall stance. 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 provided expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior's plastic elements reminded occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard design was reminiscent of 1990s styles, with a notable instrument cluster featuring two round binnacles framing a digital display.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered robust performance with its choice of a 3.6-litre V6 or a 5.7-litre V8 engine, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, enhancing towing capacity to 3,265 kg. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Drive II providing serious off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, featuring an electronic locking rear differential and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 L/100 km, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

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 came standard with AWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX offered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow steering and significant body roll. The engine's power delivery required patience, and the manual shifting option was not user-friendly.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for front passengers, with standard heated seats and steering wheel in Canada. Visibility was improved, and the available panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and cargo capacity was 1,067 litres with seats up, expanding to 2,004 litres with seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L offered more space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Cargo capacity was 665 litres with rear seats up and 1,422 litres with seats folded. The front seats were positioned close together, affecting spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. However, the Encore GX excelled in small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens, including a 10.25-inch passenger display. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The system was user-friendly, with a configurable Home display and effective voice recognition.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was easy to use, with clear graphics and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen size was smaller compared to competitors, and rear passengers lacked USB ports.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust safety structure with extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel. It included standard ADAS features like blind spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.

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 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top crash test ratings.