2022 Acura MDX 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. 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 the test model featuring Essence trim and a 1.3-liter engine priced at $35,065 after upgrades.

Inside, the Encore GX offered expected quality for its segment, 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, highlighting the SUV's lack of refinement. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet, and the overall experience didn't justify the premium price tag.

The 2022 Acura MDX, on the other hand, was built on a new dedicated platform, offering a longer wheelbase, wider body, and improved proportions. The exterior design was sportier and more assertive, featuring standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX featured a modernized cabin with authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the center console housed multiple controls, including a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was well-placed, and the front seats were comfortable with a wide range of adjustments. The MDX's solid, quality feel was befitting of a luxury vehicle in its price range.

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 FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite the turbocharging, the Encore GX's performance was described as adequate, with a ride quality that felt brittle over urban roads and too soft over speed humps. The SUV's lack of refinement was evident, especially given its premium positioning.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to either the front wheels or all four wheels with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality. The overall stiffness and rigidity of the MDX were significantly improved, resulting in a solid ride feel. The new 10-speed transmission worked smoothly with the engine, and the Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes for a customizable driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and proper recline angles. Interior storage was good, with 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Acura MDX provided comfortable seating for the first two rows, with an innovative second row featuring a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, while the third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX offered flexible cargo capacity, with up to 95 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate had new features like "Grab 'N Go" and Hands-Free Access, and the interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and Buick Connected Services. The test vehicle also had 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 offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a simple user interface.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in the A-Spec and Advance Packages. The base MDX had a Premium Audio system with nine speakers, while the Tech Package included an ELS Studio system with 12 speakers. All MDX models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless device charging were standard. The MDX also had a CabinTalk feature, a head-up display, and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates.

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 earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the outgoing model received high marks. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies was standard, offering collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, and traffic-jam assist.