2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore, making it difficult to distinguish between the two, especially in the same color. 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, giving it a less stubby appearance. The ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its look 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 cabin with soft-touch materials and a mix of cloth and leather seats, depending on the trim level. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, though some controls were cumbersome.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming it into a sleek, dark vehicle. Despite its modern touches, the GX's design remained reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's reputation for quality with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

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 (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) 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 the test vehicle provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less settled than expected. The Encore GX's handling was drama-free but uninspiring, and the engine stop/start feature was somewhat annoying.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40% to the front and 60% to the rear wheels. The GX's fuel economy was an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 16.8 mpg. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

Despite its small size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and spacious experience. Ingress and egress were easy, 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 two-level cargo floor created a flat load floor when the rear seats were folded, and the optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-placed padding, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The rear seats were heated, and the model offered triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the third-row seat was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

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

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them difficult to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras were available.

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, lane-departure warning, 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. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking recent crash-test ratings, relied on its standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and active blind-spot intervention.