2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its styling, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package available for all trims. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter for FWD and a 1.3-liter for both FWD and AWD. Pricing ranged from $24,200 to $30,600, with our test model, an Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, priced at $35,065 after options and destination charges. Despite its high price, Buick offered significant discounts for current GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin offered expected quality for a small SUV, though the interior design wasn't as clean as the exterior. The analog gauges were hard to read, and the head-up display (HUD) vibrated on rough roads, detracting from the overall refinement. The sun's glare made the fuel gauge indicator lights difficult to see. Despite these issues, the Encore GX's interior was generally comfortable, with supportive front seats and good storage space, though the rear seats were less accommodating.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had improved since its debut, though opinions on its short grille and swept-back headlights remained mixed. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the more upscale 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's attention to roof design was evident, with the Cherokee offering an optional panoramic sunroof that covered the entire top surface.

The Cherokee's best feature was its distinctive look, which helped it stand out in a crowded market of crossover SUVs. It bore a striking resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with higher trims offering more upscale materials and finishes. The Cherokee's cabin was cleanly designed, focusing on functionality rather than luxury or technology.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine was available with both FWD and AWD, though the AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Encore GX's performance was adequate, with enough power for freeway driving and light steering effort for easy maneuverability. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, and the interior noise levels were higher than expected for a premium brand.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee's acceleration was decent, with the V-6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. The Cherokee's off-road capability was notable, especially in the Trailhawk model, which featured Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in both FWD and AWD, with the latter offering better off-road performance.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating options, though the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. The interior storage was good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, 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 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than many competitors. The Cherokee had about 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in its class. The interior layout was simple and functional, with higher trims offering more upscale materials. The Latitude trim featured basic materials, while the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux trims offered more luxurious finishes, such as suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

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, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle also included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Despite the added packages, the test car lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times, impressive voice recognition, and convenient steering wheel controls.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was available with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, depending on the trim level. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. The climate control interface was straightforward, with easy-to-use buttons and knobs. The Cherokee could be equipped with remote start, a useful feature in extreme climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included 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 had not been tested by the IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crashworthiness categories but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was only available on higher trims and as part of an option package on the Trailhawk.