2022 Nissan Rogue 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” due to its awkward proportions. The Encore GX offered a sleek and modern appearance, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look across all trims. The SUV provided a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), 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. Despite its premium brand positioning, the Encore GX's cabin lacked refinement, especially given its price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued its mature styling from the previous year, featuring design elements common in Nissan's lineup, such as the V-motion grille and multi-level LED headlights. The Rogue's exterior was enhanced with active grille shutters and a floating roof design, contributing to its sleek appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a sophisticated, layered dashboard and a spacious cabin with Zero Gravity front seats and ample rear legroom. The fit and finish were exemplary, particularly in the top-tier Platinum model, offering a comfortable and well-appointed interior.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engine options. The standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Encore GX's performance was adequate, with enough power for highway cruising, though it lacked refinement. The FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet, and the ride quality was inconsistent. The Encore GX excelled on winding roads, thanks to its nimble size and controlled body roll, but fell short in terms of overall refinement.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, benefited from a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a significant improvement over the previous model, providing lively performance and impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension delivered a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position and supportive front seats, though the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and rear air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, 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 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options, with numerous compartments for front and rear passengers. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Rogue's interior was designed with practicality and convenience in mind, making it a versatile choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX 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 these features, the test vehicle lacked the available Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and intuitive controls.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology suite included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, a hands-on driver-assist system, was available, offering advanced navigation integration for predictive speed control. The Rogue's Intelligent Key allowed for convenient access to both front and rear doors.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, with standard automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, including adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the 2021 model was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.