2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models shared 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, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red 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 straightforward, and the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was well-sized, despite some cumbersome rotary toggles.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Despite its spacious interior, the Highlander appeared smaller from the outside. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior and unique exterior styling. The Highlander offered a range of trims, each with varying levels of luxury and technology. The base L trim included essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen and three-zone climate control, while higher trims like the Limited and Platinum added features such as a hands-free power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Highlander's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering clever storage solutions and ample space for passengers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 horsepower. 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 and optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive was standard across all trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission, while the AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter engine, despite its small size, provided adequate power for merging and highway driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and harshness levels.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The Highlander featured a drive-mode selector with Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, as well as an AWD system with Mud/Sand and Rock modes. The V6 engine provided strong performance, particularly at highway speeds, and the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension improved handling. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families needing extra capability.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a surprisingly comfortable interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor, allowing for a flat load surface when the rear seats were down. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, and the vehicle's elevated ride height provided excellent visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space, offering up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, cargo space was 48.4 cubic feet, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and a spacious center console. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing easy access to the third row. While the second row was comfortable for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. The vehicle also included OnStar telematics and SiriusXM satellite radio. Available features included navigation, Amazon Alexa capability, and an Advanced Technology package with HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package added wireless phone charging and automatic parking assist. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. While it lacked wireless connectivity, the system was straightforward and complemented by hard buttons. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The Highlander's infotainment system was reliable, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional controls.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The Encore GX performed well in safety tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The vehicle also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights. The Highlander's lane-departure warning system was notably active, sometimes overly so, but provided comprehensive safety coverage.