2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight and front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its looks with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. Inside, the Encore GX offered a five-passenger cabin with soft-touch materials and a mix of cloth and leather seats, depending on the trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to its user-friendly design.

The 2022 BMW X3, available in four variants, showcased a revised exterior design with a larger kidney grille and slimmer adaptive full LED headlights. The front bumper was redesigned with new vertical air intakes, while the rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs. The X3 also offered an M Sport Package with larger air intakes, sportier bumpers, and unique wheels. Inside, the X3's cabin was well-appointed with dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats. The interior featured a clean and efficient design, with a standard panoramic moonroof on the M40i trim and available Vernasca leather upholstery.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter making 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the top Essence trim and optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had 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 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters as standard. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. The X3 M40i had a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i also featured a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and an AWD system tuned for a rear-oriented torque split. Fuel economy for the X3 sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the M40i was rated at 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with experience. 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. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX also featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 BMW X3 provided ample space for five adults, though the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The rear seats had a 40/20/40-split, offering flexibility for cargo and passengers. With the rear seats up, there was enough cargo room for backpacks and equipment, and with the seats down, the X3 could accommodate larger items. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather. The X3's redesigned center console featured a larger standard infotainment system, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, front and rear USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Available features included a navigation system, Amazon Alexa capability, HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a rear camera mirror. The Convenience package added automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and various connected digital features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional enlarged both screens to 12.3 inches. The X3 also offered a 12-speaker 205-watt HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system on the M40i trim. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package, a Premium Package, and gesture control.

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

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision avoidance, park distance control, forward-collision warning, and active pre-collision protection systems. The available Parking Assistance Package added parking assistance plus, active park distance control, and a 360-degree surround camera view. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included traffic jam assistance, back-up assistant, front cross-traffic alert, active lane-keep assist, and side collision avoidance.