2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with both models sharing Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red 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, though it wasn't quite premium. The controls were straightforward, but the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large sheet metal surfaces. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover featured a simplified design with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements. The cabin exuded luxury, with a solid feel and no detectable creaks, even on rough roads. The Range Rover's interior was more refined than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine with 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 available as an option on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll. The standard rear-wheel-steering made maneuvering easy, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The Range Rover delivered a smooth ride with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with experience. Ingress and egress were straightforward, and controls were clearly marked. 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 featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment made loading cargo easier.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 13-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a WiFi hotspot. The touchscreen was responsive, though its lower placement required more attention. Basic climate controls were designed to minimize distraction, and the overall tech experience was fitting for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver-assistance features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in all crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, headlight ratings varied, with the top Essence trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. The safety features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional safety features not present in the Range Rover.