2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

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 design elements. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, giving it a more balanced appearance. It was particularly attractive with the optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance 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, though it wasn't quite premium. The controls were user-friendly, although some found the rotary toggles on the steering wheel cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and a redesigned front end with an Audi-esque grille. Despite this, the Navigator maintained its luxurious presence. Inside, it dazzled with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln's Constellation display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering ample display space. The Navigator continued to impress with its spacious interior, especially in the Black Label trim with its Central Park theme, and offered a comfortable ride with its adaptive suspension.

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 hp. 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 engine and CVT provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy. The ride was not as smooth as expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. It offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options and had a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology provided a smooth ride, even on imperfect roads. The new electronic brake booster improved brake response, and the SUV handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, and it averaged 18.6 mpg during testing.

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

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior comfort, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats that were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs were also heated, ventilated, and massaging, providing a luxurious experience. The third-row seat was spacious and comfortable, thanks to the independent rear suspension. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with up to 103.3 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard model and 120.2 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase Navigator L.

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. It also offered a range of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, offering a modern interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system allowed for extensive customization and user profiles. The Navigator's voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to streaming services. The test vehicle also had a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with a range of driver assistance features and performed well in safety tests. It earned a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and received "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests. The Encore GX's top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights. The vehicle also received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator's safety features were comprehensive, though the driver still needed to remain attentive. The SUV's surround-view camera system was newly standard, enhancing safety and convenience.