2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX was slightly larger than its predecessor, the Encore, in nearly every dimension. It was 2.7 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 1.8 inches taller, with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track. Buick invested considerable effort into revising the exterior styling of the GX, featuring a larger grille, updated headlights and taillights, and a completely reworked rear end. This gave the Encore GX a more mature and complete appearance compared to the stubby, notchy look of the Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin appeared similar to the smaller Encore at first glance, but closer inspection revealed a higher level of care, style, and fit and finish. While not as upscale as the Mazda CX-30, it felt nicer than the Hyundai Kona. The trim levels—Preferred, Select, and Essence—offered various features, with the Essence trim adding unique chrome bumper accents, leather seating, and a 120-volt power outlet. The ST package on the Essence trim added sporty elements like a unique grille and 18-inch wheels, enhancing the GX's premium look.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The rear of the van showcased a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. Six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents, were also available.

Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona with a blend of practicality and premium touches. The Pinnacle trim, designed for luxury customers, featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats added to the upscale feel. The Pacifica's doors had a well-weighted feel, and sound deadening technology kept road noise at bay.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup. Our test model featured the optional 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque through a CVT to the front wheels. This engine was standard with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, which used a nine-speed automatic transmission but reduced torque to 162 pound-feet.

The 1.3-liter engine provided solid power for its size, though it felt underwhelming at low speeds. The auto-stop/start system was seamless, and the overall driving experience was smooth, with responsive steering and a well-weighted suspension. The Encore GX handled well at higher speeds, maintaining composure around corners, which aligned with Buick's "near-luxury" label.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered AWD or the hybrid powertrain.

The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on various conditions, improving fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD reducing these figures slightly.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased rear seat and cargo space compared to the standard Encore. With the rear seats up, it provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. This was more than the standard Encore but slightly less than the larger Buick Envision. The rear legroom allowed for easy folding of the rear seats, and the rear load floor could be adjusted for additional space. Up front, the shifter's repositioning created more storage space, and the deep in-door cubbies and cup holders accommodated large water bottles.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and ample storage. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seats with in-floor storage bins were standard. The second-row under-console storage and the Stow 'n Go third-row bench seat added to the practicality. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making family travel convenient.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX featured GM's latest touchscreen infotainment system, with a responsive interface and customizable main menu. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a rear camera mirror. The available head-up display (HUD) projected onto a small plastic display from the dash, which was a cost-cutting measure but felt clunky.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with a clean design and quick responsiveness. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with a rear-facing child seat view, split-view display, and zoom-to-seat feature. The sound system options ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came standard with forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and a following distance indicator. The Teen Driver System allowed for speed and volume limitations. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. The available surround-view camera system provided clear images and was helpful for parking.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high beams, advanced brake assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).