2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a handsome and technical appearance, looking more like an SUV than a car. Dark gray plastic cladding covered its lower perimeter, lending a rugged look, although some users found the bold skid plates a bit audacious on the rear bumper. Clean LED lighting elements, a V-Motion grille, and proper proportions added to its modern aesthetics. The vehicle came in four trims: S, SV, SL, and the luxurious Platinum with semi-aniline quilted leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX bore a strong family resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. The GX featured a trapezoidal waterfall grille, a high beltline, and similar headlight styling, but gained a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, making it look less stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) package enhanced its sporty appearance with custom grille and bumpers, red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which performed adequately for daily driving but left us wanting more power, especially given its nearly 3,500-pound weight. The CVT was notable for its seamless shifts, and the optional AWD with Snow and Off-Road modes added versatility. Fuel economy was decent, though our test Rogue fell slightly short of the EPA rating at 27.5 mpg.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered more options but less power. Available with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines—137 hp from a 1.2-liter and 155 hp from a 1.3-liter—the GX felt underpowered compared to the Rogue but still managed to deliver adequately in city driving scenarios. FWD was standard, with AWD as an option, and the vehicle's ride, while generally comfortable, wasn't as noise-free as we expected from a Buick.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled with its Zero Gravity seats, available in various materials and levels of adjustability, providing ample comfort. Rear-seat headroom and legroom were improved, and the rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees for easier access. Cargo space ranged from 31.6 to 36.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious in its class.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while smaller, made good use of its interior space. Front-seat comfort and visibility were excellent, but rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo capacity was less than the Rogue's, at 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with seats folded down. The two-level cargo floor improved usability, and the optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

Nissan equipped the 2021 Rogue with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard features. Higher trims added WiFi, Amazon Alexa, and a premium Bose audio system. The Platinum trim also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered similar tech with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and WiFi. Higher trims added navigation, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package brought wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist, enhancing the vehicle’s technological appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue shined in safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems under the Safety Shield 360 umbrella, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, provided lane-centering and adaptive cruise control. Though crash-test results weren't available at the time, the use of high-strength steel suggested good crashworthiness.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed excellently in crash tests, earning five stars from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and standard driver-assistance systems like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The Advanced Technology package added adaptive cruise control and a head-up display for more safety and convenience.