2021 Volvo XC40 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 exterior with no unsatisfying lines, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring 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 interior, however, did not match the exterior's elegance, with hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display that detracted from the overall refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 featured a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting well within the Volvo family with its signature "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and simple oval grille. The XC40 Recharge, the electric variant, had subtle differences like a blanked-off grille and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with high-quality materials and a coherent design. The XC40's cabin was thoughtfully designed, with elements like a portrait-oriented touchscreen and real metal trim, offering a luxurious feel uncommon in this segment.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engine options. The standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising but lacking refinement. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite efforts to enhance ride quality, the Encore GX struggled with a brittle ride over rough roads and was not particularly quiet inside.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower for the FWD T4 and 248 horsepower for the AWD T5. The Recharge model boasted 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its dual electric motors. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness over speed, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model also featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, showcasing its versatility.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position with supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. 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 included thoughtful features like a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items, but the rear lacked air conditioning vents.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The center console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox included a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The XC40's storage cubby was well-designed to hold a phone securely, with optional wireless charging. However, rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came 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 Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite its features, the test vehicle lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was praised for its quick response, user-friendly interface, and effective voice recognition.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS, featuring Google Assistant and Google Maps integration. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered over-the-air update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The lack of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature highlighted Volvo's focus on technology and convenience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, 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 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.