2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to build on its established reputation with a mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof, all contributing to a refined appearance. Inside, the Rogue boasted a layered dash design with contrasting colors and surfaces, creating a detailed and tasteful look. The center console was notably efficient, with an electronic gear selector that freed up space for storage, and a 9-inch infotainment display positioned for optimal driver visibility. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort, while the spacious second row offered ample legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX presented a more modern but less distinctive design. Its rounded surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that lacked the SUV appeal. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall look remained understated. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a dated design, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a standout feature.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue impressed with its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This represented a significant improvement over the previous model, enhancing the Rogue's performance across various driving conditions. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery, while the new CVT provided a wider range of gear ratios for better acceleration and responsiveness. The Rogue's chassis and suspension handled the increased power with ease, offering a smooth and controlled ride with minimal body roll. Its electric power-assisted steering provided good feedback, and the tight turning diameter made maneuvering easy.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower. The Encore GX's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which, while providing a pleasant engine note, required patience for optimal power delivery. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior space and storage options. The front cabin was thoughtfully designed with numerous storage compartments, including bottle holders, cupholders, and a center console bin. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed additional storage options and charging ports. The Rogue's cargo area was generous, offering 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded down, making it ideal for carrying large loads.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded, which was respectable but not class-leading. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, though the lack of a 360-degree camera button was a drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured a comprehensive technology suite, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver-assist system, was available, offering features like adaptive cruise control and predictive speed control through navigation integration. The Intelligent Key system allowed for convenient access to all doors.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While not as advanced as the Rogue's setup, the Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, offering clear graphics and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue was equipped with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist enhanced these features, providing Level 2 driver assistance with adaptive cruise control and steering assist. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Additional features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, were available through option packages. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top ratings in crash tests but an average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.