2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. This allowed the GV80 to incorporate innovative styling cues while maintaining a connection with the brand's sedans. The SUV's design was marked by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, complemented by the signature "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The rear design echoed the front with similar Quad Lamp taillights and trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a truly premium interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with its sibling, the Encore, featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST package added sporty elements like custom grille accents and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on higher trims. The interior was practical, with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and adequate front-seat space, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space was versatile, with a two-level cargo floor and a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, on 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T model provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel economy for the 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX featured two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on lower trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the top Essence trim. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT combination provided adequate power, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. Despite this, the CVT performed well without excessive droning.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered a sophisticated interior with advanced technology and ergonomic design. The center console featured a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was spacious for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on specific models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on all trims.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and practical interior. Ingress and egress were easy, with well-placed seat hip points and clear controls. Front-seat space was adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services provided various remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. Navigation was available on higher trims, along with Amazon Alexa capability. The Encore GX included driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. An Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package offered automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in crash tests, though headlight ratings varied by trim. The Encore GX featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention from the IIHS.