2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with its trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and high beltline. Despite its small stature, the Encore GX managed to present a handsome appearance, especially when equipped with the optional ST (Sport Touring) package, which added sporty accents and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in the top Essence trim, providing a pleasant driving environment. The controls were straightforward, although the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were slightly cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, capturing attention with its sleek design and pop-out door handles. The Velar's exterior was a refined version of the classic Range Rover silhouette, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive trapezoidal roof. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sophisticated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens provided sharp graphics, and the fit and finish were exemplary, even in the base trim.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter engine was standard on the Essence trim. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Encore GX's 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier than expected, and the driving dynamics were uninspiring.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride, and the Terrain Response system offered six driving modes. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, enhancing performance and reducing emissions.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. The front seats offered ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were a bit tight for three adults. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed some interior space for its design. The rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was restricted by thick B-pillars. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability with a simplified layout and faster response.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system included features like a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and provide off-road measurements. The Velar also came standard with LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored five stars in the European NCAP tests, with a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Velar also offered optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.