2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights beside the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear had bold, large taillights. Inside, the Q5 was classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered appearance. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned, and the second row was nicely appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a handsome little SUV, especially with the optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package. It featured Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, a high beltline, and similar headlight styling to its sibling, the Encore. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length helped it look less tall and stubby. Inside, the cabin was attractive with soft-touch materials and standard cloth seats on base models, while the top Essence trim had leather seats. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, though some controls were cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward and easy to use.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took an already fun crossover and made it better. The Q5 45, its gasoline-only counterpart, was enjoyable to drive, but the PHEV added an extra 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery, bringing the total combined output to 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for convincing acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds) and impressive fuel economy figures of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and various driving modes to optimize battery usage.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a choice of turbocharged three-cylinder engines—a 1.2-liter unit producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter motor making 155 hp. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT in the test vehicle were surprisingly capable, though a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was noisier than expected, and driving dynamics were generally uninspiring. The engine stop/start feature was a tad annoying, but the system override was available.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV managed to carry its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It offered 25.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (37.8 inches) and plenty of headroom (37.7 inches) and shoulder room (56.5 inches). The front seats were super-comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and ventilation on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, never felt cramped. Ingress and egress were easy, and controls were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were more than adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet in length with the front passenger seat and rear seats folded flat. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable maximum height added convenience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was impressive and easy to use. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. A navigation system was available on Select and Essence trims, along with built-in Amazon Alexa capability. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with an intuitive design and efficient voice-recognition system.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 Q5 received top "good" ratings in every category except headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in all crash tests, with differing results for headlights. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating, while Preferred and Select trims received a "Marginal" rating. The Encore GX received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included.