2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to 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, which made it appear less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetics with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and an "ST" badge. Inside, the Encore GX offered a five-passenger cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on the top Essence trim. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to its appeal, although some found the rotary toggles a bit cumbersome.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a macho front end and re-engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel. The overall profile was assertive, with 17-inch wheels standard on base models and up to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage. The second and third rows offered roomy seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third-row bench could easily store away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: 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 optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. 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 combination provided adequate power, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was not as settled as expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor driving the rear wheels, eliminating mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled CVT, offering four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna Hybrid's fuel economy was impressive, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg city/highway/combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its small size, offered 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 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, accommodating items up to eight feet in length. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with an adjustable maximum height for easier access.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading luggage and freight. Cargo measurements were 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench stored away easily, and each row had ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Both side sliding doors and the rear tailgate were power-operated, with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered decent tech for its price. An eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, Buick Connected Services, front and rear USB ports, OnStar telematics, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. A navigation system and built-in Amazon Alexa were available on higher trims. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, a rear camera mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, one USB media port, and six USB charging ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A color multi-information display in the instrument panel center varied by trim, with a 10-inch head-up display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry with push-button start was standard.

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 earned five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. However, its headlights received mixed ratings, with the top Essence trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, multiple LATCH child-seat connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, with its location changed for safety and convenience.