2022 Chevrolet Traverse 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. 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 GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin quality met expectations for the small SUV 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, 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 nimble size and engine torque made it well-suited for winding back roads, though it lacked the refinement expected from a premium brand.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while often compared to a minivan, offered a practical and stylish alternative for those needing a spacious SUV without the higher costs and lower fuel efficiency of larger vehicles. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS with FWD, and the top-tier High Country trim cost $53,400. AWD was available for all trims, though its 7.5-inch ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The 2022 model received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, bumper, grille designs, and updated color choices. The RS trim, tested with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895.

The Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, black carpets, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. While the materials were a mix of hard plastics and polished metallic accents, the interior was logically laid out with matte-finish black switchgear for reduced glare. The stereo controls were user-friendly, and the cabin offered ample storage space, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen. The Traverse's design and features made it one of the most appealing vehicles in its segment.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX's turbocharged engines provided a sprightly feel. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine was recommended for better performance, especially for freeway driving. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality varied, feeling brittle on urban roads and bouncy over bumps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet, and the overall driving experience lacked refinement.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided adequate power, and the Traverse returned 20.9 mpg in combined driving. The ride quality was pleasant, though the SUV felt softer at higher speeds. On highways, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, and it performed well in mountain driving, though the RS trim's tires were not ideal for spirited driving.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, though the rear seats were less comfortable, especially for taller passengers. 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 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS had power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven but made accessing the third row easier. The third-row seats were suitable for adults if the second-row seats were adjusted. The Traverse offered ample storage, including a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

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 Buick Connected Services with 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 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system for LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims received an 8-inch high-definition display. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both systems featured Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch system could be upgraded with navigation, SiriusXM 360L, and more in-vehicle apps, including Alexa Built-in. The RS trim included a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was accurate and responsive, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful features.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, 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 Select and Essence trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, though its stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a few seconds. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though it rated "Acceptable" in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published 2022 Traverse crash-test ratings at the time of writing.