2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore, often referred to as “the shoe” due to its awkward proportions. The Encore GX offered a sleek and appealing exterior with no awkward lines, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring (ST) package for a sportier look. The SUV provided a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The 1.2-liter engine was available only with FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD. The test model featured the Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, but not AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for current GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners. Inside, the Encore GX's cabin met the expected quality levels for its segment, though the interior design was not as refined as the exterior. The placement of analog gauges and the vibrating head-up display (HUD) were noted as drawbacks, detracting from the overall refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and sophistication, with a design that harked back to its rugged roots while embracing modern elegance. The Range Rover's pricing started at $92,000, with the potential to exceed $250,000 with various upgrades and personalization options. The test vehicle, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a balance of luxury and practicality. The Range Rover's timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, large nameplate lettering, and clean lines, contributed to its enduring appeal. Inside, the Range Rover's cabin was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer systems, it was manageable with some familiarity. The Range Rover's interior was designed for comfort and style, making it a standout choice for those seeking a luxurious driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Encore GX's performance was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising and nimble handling on winding roads. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite efforts to enhance ride quality, the Encore GX's ride was criticized for being too brittle over rough roads and too soft over speed humps. The SUV's steering was light, making it easy to maneuver, but the overall driving experience lacked refinement, especially given its premium positioning.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including turbodiesel V6, supercharged V8, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices. The HSE Westminster special edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The Range Rover's performance was characterized by smooth power delivery and near-total cabin silence. The adaptive air suspension provided a classic wafting sensation, filtering road harshness and ensuring a comfortable ride. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, maintained its legendary off-road capabilities. However, the SUV's steering was slow in response, and its weight and tall center of gravity contributed to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The Range Rover was best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with an average fuel economy of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position, with supportive front seats suitable for long drives. The test vehicle included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a flat, low cushion lacking thigh support. Interior storage was commendable, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Encore GX featured a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items, but the hands-free power liftgate option was deemed unnecessary.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with a slouched seating position and limited thigh support. Despite the luxurious amenities, such as quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats, the rear seat comfort was lacking. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The Range Rover's clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function facilitated loading, but luggage volume was restricted.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle 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 Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was praised for its quick response, impressive voice recognition, and user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system, with three displays offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, was manageable with familiarity. The dual 10-inch touchscreens posed a distraction while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover's technology included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app serving as a digital owner's manual. The touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice assistants with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced the user 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, with adaptive cruise control available. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a Tire Fill Alert system. The SUV earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and parking sensors. Optional safety features were available through various packages, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, with effective safety features. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond when traffic cleared.