2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its elegant design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The minimalist design and user-friendly controls, aside from the electronic transmission shifter, made the Enclave a comfortable and stylish choice.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that shared a strong family resemblance with the smaller Encore. Despite its modest size, the Encore GX offered a handsome appearance, especially with the optional ST package, which added sporty design elements. The interior was attractive, with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly layout. While the rear seat was a bit tight for three adults, the Encore GX provided adequate cargo space, especially with the rear seats folded. The vehicle's elevated ride height and excellent visibility made it easy to drive, and the optional rear camera mirror further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was exceptional, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially in the Avenir trim with the Technology Package. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The 1.3-liter engine, paired with a CVT in FWD models, provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's handling was stable, but the ride was not as refined as expected from a Buick. The vehicle's fuel economy was competitive, but the engine stop/start feature could be annoying.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities like power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 97.6 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while compact, provided a comfortable cabin with ample front-seat headroom and legroom. The rear seat was a bit tight, but the cargo area was practical, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX also offered a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and the sound system was not as advanced. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, but lacked integration with smart home assistants and had short trial periods for connected services.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The vehicle offered a range of tech options, including navigation, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The Advanced Technology package added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Encore GX's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to pair devices and navigate apps.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors, but adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, and additional safety options were available. The vehicle performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, the headlights received mixed ratings, with the top trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."