2022 GMC Terrain 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 unsatisfactory 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 interior, however, did not match the exterior's elegance, with hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD) that detracted from the overall refinement.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain received updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bold grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport-terrain tires, with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test model came with a black leather interior and several packages, raising the MSRP to $41,810. The Terrain offered a more affordable SLE and SLT trim with standard FWD, while the Denali trim added luxury. Despite being GMC's entry-level model, the Terrain's interior materials and execution were not as refined as expected for its price, with a less intuitive pushbutton transmission and limited storage space.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, with a more powerful 1.3-liter engine available, delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for freeway cruising and light steering for easy maneuverability. The FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the Encore GX was not particularly quiet inside, and its ride quality was inconsistent over different road surfaces. The Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the SUV in the torque band, though there was a delay in acceleration. The Terrain offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. The AT4 model had a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels, providing a smooth ride on highways and city streets. However, the Terrain struggled off-road, with limited ground clearance and sport-terrain tires offering little grip. The Terrain AT4 achieved 26.2 mpg, meeting the EPA rating.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position with supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The interior storage was ample, 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 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing an upscale feel. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite the added features, the test car lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II added navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came 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 higher trims. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package, offering similar safety features as the Encore GX. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.