2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, enhancing its upscale appeal.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that shared a strong family resemblance with the Encore, featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX was slightly longer, giving it a less stubby appearance. The optional ST appearance package added body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. Inside, the Encore GX offered a cabin with soft-touch materials and standard cloth seats, while the top Essence trim featured leather seats. The test vehicle had heated seats in Whisper Beige leather with Ebony accents, a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and straightforward controls. However, the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were cumbersome, and the cabin was noisier than expected for a Buick.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. It offered driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth power and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster, enhancing adaptive cruise control and brake pedal feel. While the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially in hot conditions.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the engine was buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness. Despite Buick's QuietTuning technology, the cabin was noisier than anticipated. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its driving dynamics were uninspiring.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious interior with logical controls and ample storage. The driver's seat was comfortable with a 12-way power adjustment, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated/ventilated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat knee room was tight, and fitting three adults in the back was challenging. Cargo space was 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and could accommodate items up to eight feet long. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with adjustable height settings for ease of use.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim included a premium sound system and wireless charging. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features, but the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. A navigation system was available on higher trims, along with Amazon Alexa capability. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package included wireless charging and automatic parking assist. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with efficient voice recognition and easy Bluetooth pairing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and received top ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features and optional safety packages. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars overall. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with varying headlight ratings. The Encore GX received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.