2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX presented a more mature and refined exterior compared to its predecessor, the Encore. It was slightly larger in every dimension, with a longer wheelbase and wider track, giving it a more complete appearance. The GX featured a larger grille, revised headlights, and a reworked rear end, which contributed to its sophisticated look. Inside, the cabin echoed this maturity with a focus on style and fit and finish, offering a more upscale feel than some of its competitors, though not quite reaching the luxury of the Mazda CX-30.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and timeless design. Despite its design nearing a decade old, it maintained a classic appeal with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling lines. The interior was a testament to luxury, with high-quality leather and a mid-century modern ambiance. However, the second-row seating was less comfortable, lacking thigh support and adjustability. The Range Rover's design drew heavily from its storied past, much like a Porsche 911, offering a blend of modernity and heritage.

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 CVT for front-wheel drive. Our test model featured a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with an option for all-wheel drive through a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine provided solid power, it was not brisk, and the three-cylinder nature led to some roughness. The driving experience was smooth overall, with responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension that handled bumps and corners with composure.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capabilities, though our test was limited to a mild trail. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth, wafting ride, and the SUV's power delivery was smooth and rapid. However, the steering was slow and syrupy, and the vehicle's weight and height led to some side-to-side wallow on uneven roads.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX offered increased space, particularly in the rear seats and cargo area, with 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was more than the standard Encore and competitive with other SUVs in its class. The interior layout was practical, with a repositioned shifter and cup holders creating additional storage space. The rear seats were easy to fold, and the load floor could be adjusted for more space, making it versatile for various cargo needs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Cargo space was limited, with 25 cubic feet available, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet, which was less than some smaller vehicles. The Range Rover included features like quad-zone climate control and a refrigerated center console, but storage space was generally inadequate.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX came with GM’s latest touchscreen infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface with crisp graphics and responsive performance. It included standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for a wireless charging pad and navigation. The available head-up display was a cost-effective solution, projecting information via a small plastic display.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was complex, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The system was not entirely intuitive, and using the dual touchscreens could be distracting. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for additional convenience.

The 2020 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system, providing clear images and helpful parking assistance. The vehicle also came with a suite of airbags, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered standard safety features such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several of these packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations. Overall, the safety features were effective and accurate, though some advanced technologies were not assessed.