2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, a significant improvement over the original Encore, which was humorously nicknamed “the shoe” by GM insiders. The Encore GX offered a sleek exterior with no awkward proportions, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look. The vehicle provided choices between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The interior, however, was less refined, with hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display, detracting from its premium appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover maintained its iconic design with subtle evolutionary changes. The most noticeable update was the rear, featuring thin LED taillights integrated into a darker trim. The interior was simplified, offering a modern look with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen. The materials used were of high quality, with premium leather and rich wood trims, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The Range Rover was noted for its solid feel and quiet cabin, providing a level of refinement that surpassed many competitors.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The latter provided better performance, especially for highway driving, though the overall experience was described as adequate. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD versions had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite efforts to enhance ride quality, the Encore GX was criticized for its lack of refinement, with a ride that felt brittle over rough roads and noisy despite noise-cancellation features.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came with two powerful engine options. The base P400 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower, while the P530 offered a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Range Rover delivered impressive acceleration and smooth gear shifts, with agile handling for its size. It excelled in off-road capability, thanks to its Terrain Response system, and provided a smooth, quiet ride on various terrains.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, with a trunk offering 23.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The hands-free power liftgate was deemed unnecessary, but the fold-flat front passenger seat was a practical feature for carrying long items.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned and offered massage functions, while the second row provided ample space and power adjustments. The optional third row was less accommodating for adults but suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited to 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension made loading easier.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation and a surround-view camera. Despite its price, the test model lacked the premium Bose sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and intuitive controls.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless smartphone integration and a wireless charging pad were standard. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with standard Buick Driver Confidence features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available. The Encore GX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While it lacked some advanced features found in rivals, its safety systems performed reliably. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash test results for the Range Rover.