2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Buick Encore GX
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe if:
- You seek a rugged, off-road-capable SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- You value a high driving position and clear view over the hood and front fenders.
- You need a vehicle with advanced 4WD systems and off-road capabilities.
Choose the 2022 Buick Encore GX if:
- You prioritize a comfortable and easy-to-use interior with excellent visibility.
- You want a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features.
- You need a compact SUV with decent cargo space and flexible storage options.
Overview | |
MSRP$24,400 | MSRP$51,225 |
Average price$21,406 | Average price$35,725 |
Listings977 | Listings1185 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.7 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2022 Buick Encore GX Reviews SummaryThe 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 SummaryIn 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 | |
Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine2.0L 375 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive Train4X4 |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower375 hp @ 5250 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity17.3 kWh |
MPG City29 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway20 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)2.4 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine Name2.0L 375 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | Torque470 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower375 hp @ 5250 rpm |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)2.4 hours |
DrivetrainFWD | Drivetrain4X4 |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity17.3 kWh |
MPG City29 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway20 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemOptional |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.5 cu ft | Cargo Space27.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3065 lbs | Curb Weight5000 lbs |
Height64.1 in | Height73.6 in |
Length171.4 in | Length188.4 in |
Width71.4 in | Width73.8 in |
Wheelbase102.2 in | Wheelbase118.4 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1200 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe if:
Shop Now- You seek a rugged, off-road-capable SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- You value a high driving position and clear view over the hood and front fenders.
- You need a vehicle with advanced 4WD systems and off-road capabilities.
Choose the 2022 Buick Encore GX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a comfortable and easy-to-use interior with excellent visibility.
- You want a vehicle with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features.
- You need a compact SUV with decent cargo space and flexible storage options.
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 10Read full review | 6.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 2.0L 375 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 470 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 375 hp @ 5250 rpm |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 2.4 hours | |
Drivetrain | FWD | 4X4 |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 17.3 kWh | |
MPG City | 29 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 20 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.5 cu ft | 27.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3065 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Height | 64.1 in | 73.6 in |
Length | 171.4 in | 188.4 in |
Width | 71.4 in | 73.8 in |
Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 118.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1200 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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