2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

2022 Buick Encore GX
2022 Buick Encore GX
$24,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
$51,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Buick Encore GX
$24,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
$51,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Buick Encore GX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe scores 6.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Buick Encore GX is the better choice for most consumers, offering a more comfortable and user-friendly experience with a higher overall rating.

Overview

MSRP

$24,400

MSRP

$51,225

Average price

$21,406

Average price

$35,725

Listings

977

Listings

1185
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Powerful engine
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Noisy
  • Poor handling

2022 Buick Encore GX Reviews Summary

The Encore GX debuted for the 2020 model year, slotting in just above the best-selling Encore subcompact crossover in Buick's four-SUV lineup. Other than four new extra-cost exterior paint colors, the 2022 Encore GX is a complete carryover from 2021.

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Reviews Summary

In the history of automobiles, perhaps none captures the go-anywhere and do-anything American spirit quite like the Jeep Wrangler (and its CJ and Willys ancestors). Now, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler lineup offers two new ways to conquer whatever obstacles lay in your path. The first is the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392. The second is the subject of this review, the clean, green, plug-in hybrid electric machine called the Wrangler 4xe.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.2L 137 hp I3

Engine

2.0L 375 hp I4 Hybrid

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

4X4

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

137 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

375 hp @ 5250 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

17.3 kWh

MPG City

29

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

20

Battery Charge Time (240V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

2.4 hours
2022 Buick Encore GX
2022 Buick Encore GX
$24,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
$51,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Buick Encore GX
$24,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
$51,225MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Buick Encore GX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe scores 6.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Buick Encore GX is the better choice for most consumers, offering a more comfortable and user-friendly experience with a higher overall rating.

Overview
MSRP
$24,400
$51,225
Average price
$21,406
$35,725
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.9
Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Powerful engine
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Noisy
  • Poor handling
Summary
The Encore GX debuted for the 2020 model year, slotting in just above the best-selling Encore subcompact crossover in Buick's four-SUV lineup. Other than four new extra-cost exterior paint colors, the 2022 Encore GX is a complete carryover from 2021.
In the history of automobiles, perhaps none captures the go-anywhere and do-anything American spirit quite like the Jeep Wrangler (and its CJ and Willys ancestors). Now, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler lineup offers two new ways to conquer whatever obstacles lay in your path. The first is the V8-powered Wrangler Rubicon 392. The second is the subject of this review, the clean, green, plug-in hybrid electric machine called the Wrangler 4xe.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.2L 137 hp I3
2.0L 375 hp I4 Hybrid
Drive Train
FWD
4X4
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
137 hp @ 5000 rpm
375 hp @ 5250 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
17.3 kWh
MPG City
29
20
MPG Highway
31
20
Battery Charge Time (240V)
2.4 hours
Look and feel
2022 Buick Encore GX
8/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
9/10

The 2022 Buick Encore GX bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore, making it challenging to distinguish between the two, especially in the same color. Both SUVs featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, front fascia designs, and fog light locations. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which helped it appear less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its looks with body-color bodyside and rocker moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge on the liftgate.

Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials and minimal hard plastic. The base models came with cloth seats, while the top Essence trim featured leather seats. Our test vehicle had heated seats in Whisper Beige leather with Ebony accents, adding a touch of elegance. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized and featured handy redundant controls, though the rotary toggles embedded in the spokes were a bit cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward and user-friendly, aligning with Buick's customer preferences.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe announced its presence with unique sounds and looks. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it was nearly identical to a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the left base of the windshield being the main differentiator. When running on battery power alone, the Wrangler 4xe was silent except for the pedestrian notification system, which turned heads as it moved quietly through Yosemite National Park.

Our Firecracker Red test vehicle, equipped with Rubicon trim and over $13,000 in options, had a price tag of $66,690. Inside, it was similar to other four-door Wranglers, with blue seat stitching, charging indicator lights, and special PHEV gauges. The interior retained the Wrangler's rugged, hose-me-out look but included more soft-touch materials than expected. The controls were laid out in a functional format, with the center console housing the transmission shifter, emergency brake, and manual transfer-case lever. The Wrangler 4xe's interior maintained its purposeful simplicity while offering better outfitting than previous models.

Performance
2022 Buick Encore GX
5/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
8/10

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine making 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 optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard across all trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models employed a traditional nine-speed automatic.

In our test vehicle, the 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT proved to be a capable powertrain, though it was a bit buzzy and harsh. The power was sufficient for merging onto highways and handling steep upgrades. The engine stop/start feature, while beneficial for fuel economy, was somewhat annoying, though it could be overridden. The Encore GX's ride was not as settled as expected from a Buick, and the interior was noisier than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies. The CVT, however, did not drone, which was a positive aspect.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a powertrain based on a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It included two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located under the back seat. The battery provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles.

The Wrangler 4xe offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. Hybrid mode maximized power or efficiency depending on the situation, providing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque for a 0-60 mph time of six seconds. Electric mode allowed for electric-only driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During our range testing, the Wrangler 4xe managed 20 miles of electric driving before the gas engine engaged. On a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 20.8 mpg and covered 259.1 miles, with 47.9 of those miles on electric power.

Form and function
2022 Buick Encore GX
8/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
4/10

Despite its small size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with experience. Ingress and egress were effortless, and the controls were clearly marked and legible. The slightly elevated ride height offered excellent visibility, aided by the optional rear camera mirror. Front-seat headroom and legroom were more than adequate, though rear-seat knee room was a bit tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The two-level cargo floor created a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded, accommodating items up to eight feet in length.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to climb into and out of, especially for shorter individuals. Once inside, the Wrangler offered a comfortable driving position with a clear view over the hood and front fenders. Manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position, though the seats tended to lower themselves over time. The center console offered limited practical storage due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, a 115-volt power outlet, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded.

Technology
2022 Buick Encore GX
8/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
7/10

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services with a built-in WiFi hotspot, front and rear USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A navigation system was available on Select and Essence trims, along with built-in Amazon Alexa capability. Our test vehicle had the Advanced Technology package, which included HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a memory card receptacle. The Convenience package added automatic parking assist with braking, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror and washer, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available and useful during our road trip. The Alpine sound system could overcome wind noise on the freeway, though it made conversation difficult. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed its age in terms of load time, responsiveness, voice recognition accuracy, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel provided charging time estimates, and the five blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard allowed for easy viewing of charging status.

Safety
2022 Buick Encore GX
8/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
4/10

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, following-distance indicator, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX earned five stars for overall crash protection from the NHTSA and received "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The top Essence trim's LED headlights received an "Acceptable" rating, while the lower trims' halogen headlights received a "Marginal" rating. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, full-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated "Marginal" by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a "Marginal" rating for small-overlap, frontal-impact protection for the driver, with the vehicle tipping over in two tests. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Buick Encore GX
5/10
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
8/10
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