2023 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with both sharing Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar design elements. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with sportier design elements and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in higher trims, though some controls were found to be cumbersome.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, was designed with a focus on appealing proportions and rugged styling, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a visually appealing SUV. The Rogue was available in multiple trims, with the Platinum trim offering a range of upscale features, including diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium options. While the Rogue's interior was generally comfortable, some elements, like the rear seat, were less impressive in terms of comfort. The Rogue's design aimed to provide a balance of style and functionality, appealing to families and individuals alike.

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 Essence trim and optional on the lower trims. 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, provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it was somewhat noisy and lacked refinement. The ride quality was less settled than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration inside the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue featured a new turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with a variable compression design, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT and offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Auto, and Sport. The Rogue's powertrain was responsive in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The engine's character, with its unique note and vibration, might not appeal to all drivers. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.9 mpg in testing. The SUV's ride quality was generally composed, though it exhibited more body motion on uneven roads.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-use interior. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of entry and exit, with well-placed seat hip points and clear controls. Front-seat headroom and legroom were 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. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, designed as a family-friendly SUV, offered ample space for four passengers, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium leather upholstery and a range of comfort features, though the rear seat was less comfortable. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area provided up to 36.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, though some storage areas lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. The vehicle also featured a range of driver-assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology package added features like a head-up display and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive controls and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, while equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen and a range of connectivity options, used an older version of Nissan's infotainment system. The vehicle offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, and the Alexa Built-in feature was not fully functional. The Rogue also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The vehicle's headlights received mixed ratings, with the top trim's LED headlights rated "Acceptable" and lower trims' halogen headlights rated "Marginal."

The 2023 Nissan Rogue offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safety Shield 360 and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" scores in updated crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Rogue a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection.