2022 Lexus NX 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, especially in the same color. Both SUVs featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, front fascia designs, and fog light locations. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which helped it appear less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced the Encore GX's aesthetics with body-color bodyside and rocker moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge on the liftgate.

Inside, the Encore GX offered an attractive 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 and featured handy redundant controls, though the rotary toggles embedded in the spokes were a bit cumbersome. Overall, the controls and instrumentation were straightforward, legible, and user-friendly.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for 2022, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, available trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of this review, available in F Sport and Luxury trims. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors, while the interior featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation.

The NX's interior adopted a minimalist approach, a departure from the previous model's button-laden dashboard. While the decluttering was necessary, it sometimes made it challenging to locate and use certain features quickly. The climate control system and other functions were integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be confusing at first. However, physical controls for frequently used functions like stereo volume and temperature adjustment remained. The new NX also featured an electronic shifter that was easy to acclimate to. Despite high-quality materials, some elements, like the turn signal, felt less refined.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter unit producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter motor making 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter unit was standard on the top Essence trim and available as an option on the Preferred and Select. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on all trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models employed a traditional nine-speed automatic.

In our test vehicle, the 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT proved to be a capable powertrain, though it was a bit buzzy and harsh. The power was sufficient for merging onto highways, and the engine stop/start feature, while beneficial for fuel economy, could be annoying. The Encore GX's ride was not as settled as expected from a Buick, and it was noisier inside than anticipated. Despite Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies, noise, vibration, and harshness levels were intrusive. The CVT, however, did not drone, which was a positive aspect.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 hp and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, was available with FWD or AWD.

The NX 350's turbocharged powertrain was more rewarding than the base NX 250's engine. Both models offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the NX 350 F Sport adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury provided a softer, more relaxed driving experience. Lexus's claim of a 6.6-second 0-60 mph time seemed credible, and observed fuel economy was 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine was not as smooth and refined as those in German rivals. The F Sport did a better job of isolating impacts from road imperfections, but road and wind noise were more noticeable than expected.

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. The slightly elevated ride height improved visibility, aided by the optional rear camera mirror. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear bench seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat 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 NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate and cozy from the driver’s seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim featured better-bolstered seats, while the Luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

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

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant leap forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. Standard features included a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 14-inch touchscreen was available as an upgrade, along with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability. The NX's tech was impressive, though the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

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, and automatic high-beam headlights. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also included. The Encore GX performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while the Preferred and Select trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights. The Encore GX also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, featuring Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.