2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality was top-notch, with leather and wood trim available. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a functional and comfortable interior, albeit with limited small-item storage.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with the smaller Encore, featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a less stubby appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package added body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials and minimal hard plastic. Cloth seats were standard on base models, while leather seats were standard on the top Essence trim. The test vehicle featured heated Whisper Beige leather seats with Ebony accents. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, though the rotary toggles embedded in the spokes were cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter unit producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter motor making 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the top Essence trim and optional on the lower trims. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the engine was buzzy and harsh. The stop/start feature improved fuel economy but could be annoying. The Encore GX's ride was noisier and less settled than expected, despite Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies. Handling was drama-free but uninspiring, and the CVT avoided droning.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured a well-styled and comfortable interior. The front seats offered ample room for adults, and the second-row seats provided sufficient legroom for two adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and the controls were clearly marked and legible. The slightly elevated ride height improved visibility, aided by the optional rear camera mirror. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo area measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor created a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with an adjustable maximum height.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various functions, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, a WiFi hotspot, USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A navigation system and built-in Amazon Alexa were available on higher trims. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and advanced voice recognition. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, with easy Bluetooth pairing and efficient voice recognition.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also standard. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.