2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of its gasoline counterparts. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of models like the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4 shared some design elements with the European-market ID.3 hatchback, but with added plastic body cladding and a slightly elevated ride height. Despite its crossover classification, the ID.4's appearance was more akin to a hatchback, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic finishes. The base model came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims offered leatherette upholstery.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to its sibling, the Encore, boasted a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, giving it a more balanced look. The Encore GX's design was enhanced with the optional ST appearance package, which included body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The interior of the Encore GX was attractive, with soft-touch materials and a mix of cloth and leather seats, depending on the trim. The cabin was designed for comfort and ease of use, with clearly marked controls and excellent visibility. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX offered adequate front-seat headroom and legroom, though rear-seat space was a bit tight for three adults. Cargo space was practical, with a two-level cargo floor and the ability to accommodate longer items when seats were folded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive in the U.S. market, offering a balanced handling experience. An all-wheel-drive version with a second motor increased power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance without compromising comfort. The ID.4 prioritized a smooth ride over sporty handling, with noticeable body roll in corners but a comfortable ride over rough surfaces. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower. 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 as an option. The Encore GX's powertrain, particularly the 1.3-liter engine paired with a CVT, provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it was a bit noisy. The ride was less refined than expected for a Buick, with more noise and vibration than anticipated. Despite this, the Encore GX handled well, with a drama-free driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and standard heated steering wheel and front seats for efficient cabin heating.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat space was tight for three adults. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded, with a two-level cargo floor for added versatility. The Encore GX featured a hands-free power liftgate and adjustable liftgate height for convenience. The cabin was designed for ease of access and operation, with excellent visibility and clearly marked controls.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing traditional controls. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip providing visual cues. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-designed, with intuitive menus and smart graphics.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. A navigation system and Amazon Alexa capability were available on higher trims. The Encore GX included standard driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional options for advanced safety features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition, making it accessible even for those with tech anxiety.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and five stars from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane-centering and responsive acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX also performed well in safety tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. It featured standard driver-assistance technologies and additional options for advanced safety features. The Encore GX included Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system, with varying headlight ratings depending on the trim.