2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled 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, making it appear less tall and stubby. 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 on the liftgate. Inside, the Encore GX offered a five-passenger cabin with soft-touch materials and standard cloth seats on base models, while the top Essence trim came with leather seats. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was a larger SUV that offered a more substantial presence. It underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights and taillights, a fresh front bumper, modified grille designs, redesigned aluminum wheels, and updated color choices. The RS trim, which sat above the LS and LT models, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Traverse RS came with black leather upholstery with red and light gray contrast stitching, black carpets, a black headliner, and gloss black trim. The interior design was simple and logically laid out, with matte-finish black switchgear and polished metallic accents.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: 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 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 traditional nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT combination provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick. The Encore GX's handling was drama-free but uninspiring, and the vehicle was not suited for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a single engine option: a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The V6 engine provided sufficient power for the Traverse's size, and the vehicle returned 20.9 mpg in combined driving during testing. The Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, though it could feel disconnected from the road at higher speeds. The SUV's handling was predictable, and the suspension limited body roll, making it feel more athletic than some rivals.

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 front seats offered adequate headroom and legroom, while rear-seat knee room was a bit 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 Chevrolet Traverse, however, offered more interior space and versatility. The RS trim came with power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs provided generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, though they lacked leg support. The third-row seat was accessible via a wide pass-through or Smart Slide second-row seats. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Traverse also featured hidden storage compartments and a sizable cargo area.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered decent tech for its price, including an 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. The Advanced Technology package 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 included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on LS and LT Cloth models, while other trims had an eight-inch high-definition display. The Traverse also offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included an eight-inch digital instrumentation panel, integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system was responsive and accurate, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

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, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. The SUV earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests 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 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse also featured a vibrating Safety Alert Seat on Premier and High Country trims. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, except for an "Acceptable" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Traverse at the time of writing.