2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was often mistaken for its sibling, the Encore, due to their strikingly similar design elements. Both SUVs featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and comparable headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which made it appear less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetics with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge on the liftgate. Inside, the Encore GX offered a cabin with soft-touch materials and a mix of cloth and leather seats, depending on the trim level. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to its user-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, was praised for its appealing styling and well-proportioned design. Available in five trims—L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS—the Trailblazer offered a range of options to suit different budgets. The RS trim, in particular, featured AWD, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a sporty appearance. However, the interior was criticized for its abundance of hard plastic, which detracted from its overall appeal. Despite this, the Trailblazer's cabin had a sense of style and functionality, making it a practical choice for many buyers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with 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, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT combination in the test vehicle provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy. The ride quality was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise, vibration, and harshness levels.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer also featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the larger 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models received a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system also included a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The RS trim, with its 18-inch wheels and Sport driving mode, provided a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. The test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

Despite its small size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comfortable and spacious interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were more than adequate, while rear-seat knee room was a bit tight. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added to its practicality. The Encore GX's controls were easy to use, and the elevated ride height provided excellent visibility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional. It could accommodate four people comfortably, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat in the RS trim. The rear seat, while roomy, had flat cushions that were less comfortable for passengers. The cargo space was impressive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat, allowing the Trailblazer to carry items up to 8.5 feet long. The load floor had two positions, and there were storage slots on either side.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included the Advanced Technology package, which 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 added features like automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Chevrolet Connected Services with a WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had the larger touchscreen, Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 7-speaker Bose premium audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was available. The infotainment system was easy to use, with physical controls for essential functions. The Trailblazer also offered a keyless entry keypad system and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a range of driver assistance features, including 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 Teen Driver technology and tire-fill alert system added to its safety credentials. The Encore GX earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and received "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all 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 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was equipped with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Teen Driver technology. The standard Chevy Safety Assist package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS.