2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. Inside, the Encore GX offered a five-passenger cabin with soft-touch materials and optional leather seats, providing a comfortable yet not truly premium feel.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, redesigned for the model year, maintained Jeep's traditional design elements while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. Available in multiple trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee catered to various preferences and budgets. Its design drew inspiration from the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with higher trims offering premium materials and features like quilted leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter generating 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 combination provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less refined than expected from a Buick.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and came with either a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque or a 5.7-liter V8 engine generating 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had a tow rating of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee's eight-speed automatic transmission was paired with a dial-style shifter, which some found cumbersome. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with experience. Ingress and egress were effortless, and 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable cabin for the driver and front passenger, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility was improved, especially for off-roading, and the available panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, and the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo space in the two-row Grand Cherokee measured 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, a built-in WiFi hotspot, USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Navigation was available on higher trims, along with Amazon Alexa capability. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and up to five interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options. The McIntosh audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV integration were also available.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall crash protection and received "Good" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in all crash tests. However, its headlights received mixed ratings, with the top trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a safety cage composed mainly of aluminum and high-strength steel. New for 2022, Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist provided additional safety measures. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's crash-test performance remained to be seen, but the new structure and ADAS aimed to improve safety.