2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large, unadorned sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where the square taillights were replaced with thin LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, while maintaining a familiar design. Premium materials, such as leather and rich wood trim, enhanced the luxurious feel, and the solid construction provided a quiet and refined driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, opting for rounded surfaces and a tall stance that resulted in awkward proportions. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall design lacked the SUV appeal that attracts buyers. Inside, the Encore GX featured expected amenities for a top-trim model, but the abundance of plastic reminded drivers of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels were reminiscent of outdated designs, though the instrument cluster was a notable highlight.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, aided by rear-wheel steering and the Terrain Response system for off-road capability.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a standard 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 1.3-liter engine. The 1.3-liter AWD model provided stronger acceleration than expected, but power delivery was not smooth, and the nine-speed automatic transmission could be caught in the wrong gear. The Encore GX delivered a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, but its handling felt ponderous and awkward.

The 2022 Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions, and storage options were plentiful. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, while the optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo space was limited with all seats in place but expanded significantly with the third row folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, though front seats were placed close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness. While the front seats were well-cushioned, they lacked thigh support. The Encore GX provided respectable cargo space, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. Small-item storage was well-executed, and the instrumentation was clear and informative, though the lack of a 360-degree camera button was noted.

The 2022 Range Rover featured a new 13-inch touchscreen with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with graphics that compared favorably to competitors, though the screen size was smaller than current standards.

The 2022 Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, though some advanced safety features found in rivals were absent. No crash test results were available from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it scored lower for child-seat anchor ease of use.