2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at a glance. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more proportionate look. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetics 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 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, though the rotary toggles embedded in the spokes were somewhat cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward and user-friendly.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a two-door or four-door model and offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive was standard, with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions.

Our test vehicle was the High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim. It featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, Gorilla Glass windshield, sand-and-slush floor mats, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Despite its nearly $60,000 price tag, the interior remained basic, with durable cloth upholstery and essential features.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered 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 was standard, with all-wheel drive available. 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 in our test vehicle provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and our test vehicle had the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg over a week. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, provided 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 two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility varied, with some areas requiring adjustments to see clearly. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The tailgate and rear window design required careful handling, especially on hills.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, 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. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system. Our test vehicle had remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

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. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, headlight performance varied by trim.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. Headlight performance was rated "Poor" for standard lights and "Marginal" for LED upgrades.