2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight and front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, making it appear less tall and stubby. The ST (Sport Touring) appearance package added a sporty touch with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. Inside, the Encore GX offered a five-passenger cabin with soft-touch materials and optional leather seats, providing a comfortable yet not truly premium feel.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to sport a mature and sophisticated look. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The SL and Platinum trims came with LED fog lamps and active grille shutters to improve airflow. Inside, the Rogue had a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, an electronic gear selector lever, and ample storage options. The center console was spacious, and the 9-inch infotainment display was positioned for easy driver access. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and roomy second row provided comfort for all passengers.

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 provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier and less settled than expected from a Buick. The Encore GX was not designed for off-roading but handled gravel driveways and dirt patches with ease.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured Variable Compression technology, adjusting the combustion chamber size for optimal power and efficiency. The Rogue's new CVT had wider gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel and a tight turning diameter.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with experience. Ingress and egress were effortless, and controls were clearly marked and legible. 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 and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin featured numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers had storage options in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, making it a versatile choice for carrying luggage or thrift store finds.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. 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, and a rear camera mirror. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display on upper trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver-assist technology, was available and integrated with the navigation system for predictive speed control. The Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors, enhancing convenience for families.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with driver assistance features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. 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. However, headlight ratings varied by trim, with the top Essence trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims receiving a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist capabilities, including steering-assist and adaptive cruise control. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2021 model.