2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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 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 on higher trims, though some controls were found to be cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented a more luxurious and sophisticated design. It was a three-row, midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face that was considered one of the best in the lineup. The Aviator Black Label Grand Touring model featured a lavish interior with patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. The cabin was filled with high-end materials, including a simulated suede headliner and a panoramic glass sunroof. However, some chrome detailing appeared less premium, and the key fob felt inexpensive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, offering a blend of Art Deco style and modern luxury.

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. 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 the ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. Despite its small size, the Encore GX handled well, though it lacked inspiring driving dynamics.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive. The brake pedal's inconsistent behavior and the drivetrain's unpredictability were noted, though the Aviator excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. It provided ample front-seat headroom and legroom, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for children. Cargo space was limited to 18.3 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet with all seats down.

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 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 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on Lincoln's older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were well-executed, though the Sync 3 system fell short of expectations.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It earned a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while lower trims received a "Marginal" rating for their halogen headlights.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the Grand Touring model was not specifically rated.