2023 BMW X7 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 featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, 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, providing a pleasant driving environment.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant facelift, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, which was polarizing due to its oversized kidney grille. The interior received a modern update with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The X7's cabin was luxurious, with high-quality materials and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. Despite some criticisms of the exterior styling, the interior revisions were praised for their elegance and modernity.

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 turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy. The ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 delivered impressive acceleration and handling, with a comfortable yet slightly firm ride.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, though compact, provided a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and excellent visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, while rear-seat space was a bit tight for three adults. 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 2023 BMW X7 offered generous space, particularly in the second row, with a large sunroof and windows enhancing the airy feel. The third row accommodated average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with it folded, and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats down. The X7's split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading easier, while front-seat storage was ample.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with various safety technologies. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had moved many functions to the touchscreen, complicating basic operations. Voice commands were available but could be slow. The system's reliance on digital controls was seen as a drawback, with a preference for more physical buttons for frequently used features.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. The top Essence trim's LED headlights received an "Acceptable" rating, while lower trims' halogen headlights were rated "Marginal."

The 2023 BMW X7's safety ratings were unavailable, but it came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue.