2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. This model retained the brand's signature boxy profile and rectangular grille but introduced softer lines and more chrome accents, giving it a more modern and distinctive appearance. The LED headlights, known as "Thor’s Hammer," added a unique touch that blended seamlessly with the overall design. The XC90 offered various trim levels, with the Inscription model featuring extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, making it the most visually striking of the lineup. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," with high-quality materials and a thoughtfully arranged interior. The use of matte-finish wood trim and the option for wool upholstery added a touch of luxury, while the Orrefors crystal shifter provided an unexpected high-end detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX maintained a strong family resemblance to its sibling, the Encore, with both models featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase, giving it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its visual appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and a straightforward layout. While not as premium as some competitors, the interior was functional and user-friendly, with heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel adding to the comfort. The Encore GX's design focused on practicality and ease of use, making it an attractive option for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of style.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T5 came standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional on the T5 and standard on the T6 and T8. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, thanks to an optional air-suspension system, and offered a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, although it fell short of some rivals.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter engine was standard on the top Essence trim and available as an option on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive was standard across all trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT combination provided adequate power, although it was somewhat noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its driving dynamics were generally uninspiring.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, depending on the choice of second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The optional power moonroof and upright roof profile contributed to a spacious feel. The Inscription model featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with backrest massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Cargo space was limited, with 11.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. Ingress and egress were straightforward, and controls were clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, while rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor, allowing for a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable maximum height added convenience for users.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which emphasized simplicity and functionality. It came standard with a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, with a portrait-oriented touchscreen that allowed for intuitive navigation. However, the amount of text and typeface made reading some menus challenging while driving. The wireless charging pad was a welcome addition, although it struggled to accommodate larger phones.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a solid array of tech features for its price. It came with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Encore GX also included OnStar telematics and SiriusXM satellite radio. 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 features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top “Good” scores in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle testing. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed well in safety tests, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. It came standard with driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Encore GX also included Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's headlights received mixed ratings, with the top Essence trim earning an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims receiving a "Marginal" rating.