2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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 our test model, an Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, priced at $35,065 after options and destination charges. 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 met the expected quality levels for a small SUV, though it had some drawbacks. The interior design wasn't as clean as the exterior, and the analog gauges were hard to read due to small markings. The head-up display (HUD) vibrated on anything but smooth pavement, and the fuel gauge indicator lights were hard to see in direct sunlight. These issues detracted from the overall refinement, especially given the premium price tag.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, added 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. The wheelbase was also extended by five inches, providing more second-row legroom and wider rear doors. The extra length blended seamlessly into the body, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. The Grand Cherokee L was elegant and unmistakably a Jeep, with its seven-slot grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and modernized lighting. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome, with new exterior paint colors for 2022.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L's interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The design and tactile quality were comparable to a Mercedes, despite not sharing any parts. The interior offered enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable and visually stimulated, with lighter tan leather options adding a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm, providing adequate acceleration for the 3,000-lb. SUV. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 174 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. Despite the increased power, the driving experience remained merely adequate, with enough power for freeway cruising but noticeable torque steer with FWD. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission and a Watt’s linkage rear suspension.

The ride quality of the FWD test car was inconsistent, feeling brittle over poorly maintained roads, too soft over speed humps, and bouncy over bumps and dips. Despite Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled corners well and had good brakes, but the steering effort was light, making it easy to drive and maneuver. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it felt underpowered for the heavy vehicle, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available only on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 14/22/17 mpg.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with a stellar ride composure and direct steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, varying from soft to firm depending on the driving mode. The vehicle handled well, with minimal body roll, pitch, and dive. The air springs provided up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance in Off-road 2 mode, making it capable of handling rougher trails, especially with the Trail-Rated Overland trim.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position and supportive front seats, though they lacked lateral bolstering. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and a low, flat cushion. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek and sharp interface. Physical switches for climate, seat controls, and stereo functions were easy to use, with a damped click for a premium feel. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L offered ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came 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 test vehicle included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera, thanks to the Advanced Technology Package. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the optional Convenience Package. The system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface, with additional controls on the steering wheel and dashboard.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims boasted premium features like multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system could take over the instrument panel, providing a zoomed-in view of the next corner. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors were standard, with additional driver aids available on higher trims.

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, with adaptive cruise control available. Teen Driver technology provided a report card for young drivers, and a Tire Fill Alert system made maintaining proper tire pressure easier. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. Additional safety features were available on higher trims.