2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator stood out by not mimicking its competitors' styles. Instead, it adopted the successful design language of the larger Navigator, resulting in a sharp-looking vehicle with crisp lines and chrome accents. Inside, the Aviator differentiated itself from its Ford counterpart with a luxurious cabin featuring soft-touch materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a piano button shifter. The soothing chimes and massaging front seats added to the air of class and comfort.

In contrast, 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 gave it a less stubby appearance. Inside, the cabin was attractive with soft-touch materials and leather seats on higher trims. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls made it user-friendly, though the rotary toggles were a bit cumbersome.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered robust performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Grand Touring trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, boosting output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator excelled in highway driving but struggled with body roll in corners and tight city maneuvers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter making 155 hp. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT combo provided adequate power, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was noisier than expected, and its driving dynamics were uninspiring, though it handled adequately in most situations.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially with captain's chairs, provided ample space and comfort, featuring a digital control panel for various settings. However, the power-button door releases could be problematic if the battery died.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front seats offered adequate headroom and legroom, while rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo area could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front passenger seat and rear seats folded flat. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable height feature added convenience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the intuitive Sync 3 infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The landscape layout of the screen made for a natural user experience, and the fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display (HUD) added to the tech appeal.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and USB ports. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation and voice recognition. The Convenience package included features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator came with the standard Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking, self-parking, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top marks from both the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX also offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Teen Driver technology. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars overall, and received "Good" ratings in IIHS crash tests. However, its headlight ratings varied, with the top Essence trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims receiving a "Marginal" rating.