2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 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 clean lines and well-proportioned styling, available 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. The interior, while offering expected quality for its segment, had some drawbacks, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD) on rough roads. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX's cabin lacked refinement, especially given its price point.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic profile. The Velar's sleek, sporty appearance was enhanced by features like flush door handles and a trapezoidal roof. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system featured three screens with sharp graphics, and the interior offered a variety of textures and colors. However, the Velar's design sacrifices some practicality, with limited headroom and cargo space.

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 Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality was inconsistent, with a brittle feel over rough roads and a lack of refinement. The Encore GX averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system offered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. The Velar's performance was impressive, with the mild-hybrid system enhancing fuel efficiency and emissions.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position with supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable. 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 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was criticized for being illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, with a simplified layout and new features like voice activation and a PM2.5 air filter.

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 a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The instrument panel offered full-width maps and reconfigurable displays. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

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 adaptive cruise control were available. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec model scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.