2022 Jeep Compass 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" by GM insiders. The Encore GX featured well-proportioned lines and came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring (ST) package for a sportier look. The SUV offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The 1.2-liter engine was exclusive to FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine was available with both FWD and AWD. The test model, an Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, lacked AWD but included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX's interior quality was criticized for not matching its exterior appeal, with issues like hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display detracting from its overall refinement.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, while maintaining a familiar exterior design, received updates that enhanced its premium appeal, especially in the High Altitude trim. The test vehicle featured 19-inch wheels and a sophisticated cabin with a new dashboard design, digital instrumentation, and luxury-grade leather seats. The Compass lineup started with the base Sport trim and progressed through several models, culminating in the High Altitude. Prices ranged from $26,020 to $35,085, excluding a $1,595 destination charge. The High Altitude model came with standard AWD and various option packages, resulting in an MSRP of $40,470. The interior upgrades, including a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned dashboard, significantly improved the Compass's perceived quality and sophistication.

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 larger engine provided adequate power for highway cruising, but the driving experience was described as merely adequate. 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 was criticized for its lack of refinement, with a brittle ride over urban roads and excessive noise inside the cabin. However, it handled corners well and offered light steering, making it easy to drive. The test model averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Jeep Compass was equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Despite its "Tigershark" name, the engine lacked acceleration prowess, and a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The nine-speed automatic transmission, paired with AWD, was reluctant to downshift, resulting in a busy powertrain character. The automatic stop/start system was slow to re-engage, leading to hard engagement when accelerating from a stop. The Compass offered Jeep Selec-Terrain with various driving modes and an Active Drive AWD system. The test model averaged 23.8 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance, the Compass was capable of light off-roading, and the Trailhawk trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities. The Compass's driving dynamics needed improvement, with a bouncy ride and excessive lateral motion on uneven pavement.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position, with supportive front seats suitable for long drives. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited thigh support and an odd recline angle. 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 test model included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Jeep Compass offered spacious seating for four adults, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation. The High Altitude trim included premium leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. The cabin featured a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a redesigned dashboard with a new infotainment system. The Compass provided 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The new center console offered increased storage, and a hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls. The test vehicle included a navigation system, 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, voice recognition, and user-friendly interface.

The 2022 Jeep Compass introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was five times faster than its predecessor. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, with a 10.1-inch option available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and satellite radio. Over-the-air updates ensured the system remained current. The Compass offered a navigation system, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. The voice recognition system was fast and accurate, though it struggled with specific requests. Overall, Uconnect 5 impressed but wasn't as intuitive as the best systems in the industry.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with standard Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. The adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a brief stop. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Jeep Compass improved its safety features, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Highway Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, was set to be added later. The Compass also offered parking assistance and a 360-degree camera system. During testing, the lane-keep assist was overly insistent, and the forward-collision warning system occasionally gave false positives. The NHTSA had not published updated safety ratings, but the previous three-star rollover resistance rating was carried over.