2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX had a pioneering role in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, presenting a compact exterior that belied its spacious interior. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with tweaked proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance for a more elegant look. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and more assertive exterior design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX was modernized with a layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width and authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The center console housed unique gear selection controls and a touchpad for infotainment functions. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was strategically placed for safety. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with a beefy steering wheel housing redundant controls. The MDX offered a solid, quality feel, with a variety of exterior colors and interior themes to choose from.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, while similar in appearance to the Encore, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, giving it a less stubby look. The optional ST appearance package enhanced its sporty look with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. New exterior paint options for 2022 included Cinnabar Metallic, Sapphire Metallic, Sunset Glow Metallic, and Rosewood Metallic.

Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials and standard cloth seats on base models, while the top Essence trim featured leather seats. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel had redundant controls, though the rotary toggles were cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward and user-friendly, catering to Buick's customer base.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a single engine choice at launch—a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels or to all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system featured torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX also benefited from a reworked suspension with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The new 10-speed automatic transmission worked smoothly with the engine, offering five drive modes to suit different driving styles.

In contrast, 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 unit was standard on the top Essence trim. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with noise, vibration, and harshness levels more intrusive than anticipated.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and an innovative second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, making it easy to access the third row, which was best suited for pre-teens and smaller passengers. The MDX provided flexible cargo capacity, with up to 95 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab 'N Go" and Hands-Free Access, and the customizable interior lighting added a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and the controls were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted impressive tech features, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, along with Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The MDX also offered a head-up display, HD rearview camera system, WiFi hotspot, and over-the-air software updates.

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

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but the outgoing model received high marks, and Acura aimed for even better ratings for 2022. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel, an advanced safety structure, and a redesigned front end for pedestrian safety. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in all crash tests, though the headlights received mixed ratings. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and more.