2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with its trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and high beltline. Despite its small size, the Encore GX managed to look less stubby due to its slightly longer wheelbase and additional length. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its visual appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, 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 some controls were found to be cumbersome.

The 2023 Genesis GV70, on the other hand, was a luxury compact SUV that shared stylistic elements with the G70 sedan, such as split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like design. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, featuring high-quality materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The dashboard housed a full touchscreen with a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70's cabin was both aesthetically pleasing and functional, with thoughtful touches like ambient lighting and a digital instrument panel.

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 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Encore GX's powertrain, particularly the 1.3-liter engine paired with a CVT, was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small engines. While the Encore GX provided adequate power and drama-free handling, its ride quality and noise levels were less refined than expected from a Buick.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a more robust performance with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70's driving experience was a blend of comfort and sharp handling, making it suitable for both spirited driving and everyday commutes. The Electrified GV70 variant featured dual electric motors with a combined output of 429 horsepower, offering smooth acceleration and a range of 236 miles.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and excellent visibility. Front-seat space was adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. A two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The GV70's interior featured practical storage solutions, including large cupholders and a center console tray. While front-seat comfort was easily achieved, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers. The GV70's hands-free power liftgate and reclining rear bench added to its practicality.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance features. The Advanced Technology package added a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation. The Encore GX's tech offerings were user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was complemented by a rotary dial and helpful buttons for easy operation. The GV70 also offered wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Available features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights received mixed reviews.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like a blind-spot camera system and 360-degree parking camera were available in higher trims. The Electrified GV70 included most driver-assistance features as standard, with the head-up display as an optional extra.