2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, making it difficult to distinguish between the two at a glance. 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 compared to the shorter Encore. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced the Encore GX's 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 despite some minor ergonomic issues with the steering wheel controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple lines. While not flashy, the Range Rover Sport exuded understated luxury with its Eiger Gray paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and Black Exterior Pack. The interior featured a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport's design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights. Inside, the cabin boasted sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, offering a high-tech and luxurious experience.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered 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 top Essence trim and available as an option on the lower trims. 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 for merging and highway driving, though the ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. The Encore GX's handling was drama-free but uninspiring, and its noise, vibration, and harshness levels were more intrusive than anticipated.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The lower-priced SE P360 model delivered 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, providing 434 horsepower and an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-horsepower engine accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. The SUV's adaptive damping air suspension and Dynamic driving mode enhanced ride comfort and handling, though it didn't match the agility of sport-tuned competitors. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with its advanced suspension and Terrain Response system, offering impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of entry and exit, with seat hip points positioned for convenience. The controls were clearly marked and easy to use, and visibility was excellent thanks to the elevated ride height and optional rear camera mirror. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, accommodating items up to eight feet in length. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with adjustable height settings for ease of use.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats provided comfort with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and hard front seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate and air suspension controls facilitated loading, while additional storage solutions helped organize smaller items.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. The vehicle also featured OnStar telematics, SiriusXM satellite radio, and available navigation on higher trims. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functions. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was also included, though it was challenging to access.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came standard 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 NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars for overall crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, headlight ratings varied by trim level.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SUV also featured a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed the vehicle to park itself using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less satisfactory, with slow responses and challenges in maintaining lane centering.