2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 a 1.3-liter turbo engine, but not AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for current GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners.

Inside, the Encore GX's cabin offered expected quality levels for a small SUV, 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 anything but smooth pavement, highlighting the vehicle's lack of refinement. The sun's glare made the fuel gauge indicator lights difficult to see. Overall, the Encore GX's interior did not match its premium price tag, especially when compared to its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The test vehicle was the High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, and included the Xtreme Recon package with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and other off-road enhancements. The MSRP for the test model was $58,845.

The Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were optional. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique and immersive, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a high fuel consumption rate. Despite its high price, the Wrangler's interior was basic, but it offered a sense of adventure and freedom that few vehicles could match.

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 was available with both FWD and AWD. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was inconsistent, and despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The vehicle's handling was adequate, with a flat cornering attitude and good braking performance. The test model averaged 28.2 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but the test model averaged 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and touchy brakes. However, it offered a sense of adventure and freedom that few vehicles could match.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and thigh support. The trunk offered 23.5 cubic feet of space, 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 Wrangler High Tide had a raised suspension, making entry and exit difficult. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring adjustments to see clearly. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit challenges but had agreeable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The tailgate was heavy due to the 35-inch spare tire, requiring caution when opening.

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. Wireless smartphone charging was also available. The infotainment system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a simple user interface.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system was optional, offering satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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 Select and Essence trims. Adaptive cruise control was available, but its performance was inconsistent. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact performance. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.