2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

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 touch of sportiness 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 a mix of cloth and leather seats, depending on the trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls made for a user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, was evaluated in the rugged terrain of Bend, Oregon. The Forester Wilderness featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical knobs and buttons was easy to use, though the three display screens could be a bit overwhelming. Overall, the Forester Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions and offered a practical, if not luxurious, interior.

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 making 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 optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available as an option. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT combination provided adequate power, though the engine could be a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was not as settled as expected from a Buick, and noise levels were higher than anticipated. The vehicle was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was generally uninspiring.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness averaged 25.9 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 26 mpg. The engine's performance was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode improved the driving experience, but a turbocharger would have been beneficial. The Forester Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its dual-function X-Mode system, longer suspension, and all-terrain tires.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and the controls were clearly marked and easy to use. 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 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality with easy entry and exit, thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. Comfort levels were high in both the front and back seats, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof). The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, and the Wilderness trim included a full-size spare tire.

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. 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 Subaru Forester's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's Harman Kardon audio system produced clear sound, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob in the vehicle and re-enter using a PIN code.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard with several driver assistance features, including 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 a five-star overall crash protection rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and "Good" ratings in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, which offered improved accuracy and smoother operation. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.