2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car featured the SL trim, front-drive, the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive with its bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX impressed with its styling, especially compared to the original Encore. Available in base Preferred, mid-grade Select, and top-shelf Essence trim levels, the Encore GX offered a racy-looking Sport Touring (ST) option package. Buyers could choose between FWD and AWD, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. Pricing started at $24,200 for the Preferred FWD with the smaller engine and rose to $30,600 for the Essence AWD with the larger engine. The test model had Essence trim, the 1.3-liter turbo 3-cylinder engine, and several upgrades, totaling $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior quality was typical for the small SUV segment, but the design had some drawbacks, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD).

The 2020 Nissan Rogue featured a single engine and transmission option: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT made the most of the available power, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was lackluster due to lifeless steering, poor suspension isolation, and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine provided adequate power for freeway cruising and acceleration, but the driving experience remained just adequate. FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission and a Watt’s linkage rear suspension. The test car's ride quality was inconsistent, and despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled well on winding roads, but its overall refinement fell short of its premium-brand positioning. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's front seats, though featuring Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs, were somewhat undersized and challenging to adjust for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent comfort with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. Rear passengers enjoyed a panoramic glass sunroof, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area provided 39 cubic feet of space, underfloor storage compartments, and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX's front seats were supportive for long drives, with power adjustments and heating features. However, the back seat was less comfortable, with limited thigh support and an odd seatback angle. Interior storage was good, with a trunk offering 23.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, remote access, and safe teen driver settings. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, slow to respond, and had subpar voice recognition technology.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, Buick Connected Services, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The test vehicle also had navigation, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available, but the test car lacked the optional Bose premium sound system. The system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert, Tire Fill Alert, a surround-view camera, and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and no Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX included standard Buick Driver Confidence, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a Tire Fill Alert system. The adaptive cruise control had some limitations, and the lane-keeping assist felt unnatural. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.