2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

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 aesthetic 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 on higher trims, though some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic Jeep design with a modern twist. Its extended length provided a more luxurious feel, especially with the High Altitude package that added blacked-out elements and dark gray wheels. The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was impressive, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. Upper trims featured a polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching, creating a classy environment. Despite some hard plastics, the overall feel was upscale, surpassing many competitors in the midsize segment.

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. The 1.3-liter engine, paired with a CVT in FWD models, provided adequate power for merging and highway driving, though it was a bit noisy. The Encore GX's handling was stable but uninspiring, and its ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. Despite its SUV label, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, handling only light gravel and dirt paths.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower, which was considered underwhelming for its size. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 357 horsepower offered better performance, especially for towing, with a capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, and the air suspension allowed for smooth cornering and a comfortable ride. Three 4WD systems were available, enhancing its off-road capabilities, though the SUV was primarily designed for on-road use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with easy ingress and egress. Front-seat space was adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space was reasonable, with 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, with standard captain's chairs and optional bench seating. The third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was generous, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was well-designed, though some infotainment graphics were hard to read.

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

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured Uconnect 5 with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system was generally easy to use, though some graphics were difficult to read. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras. The McIntosh sound system was available on upper trims, providing a high-quality audio experience.

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, though its headlights received mixed reviews.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It came with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options available on higher trims.