Buick Envision vs Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, available in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick's lineup. The 2021 Envision featured a lower and wider stance, giving it a more planted appearance on the street. Its premium crossover styling was more sculpted than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision offered three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year, adding premium exterior and interior elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX shared a strong family resemblance with the Encore, featuring Buick's trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, slightly longer than the Encore, looked less tall and stubby. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its looks with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on higher trims. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and straightforward controls added to its user-friendly design.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter base engine. This engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the 2020 model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance remained competent for daily driving. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Envision's fuel efficiency improved, with FWD models achieving 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, while AWD models managed 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, engine and road noise detracted from the premium feel, and the driving dynamics were more comfortable than sporty.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter generating 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the Essence trim and optional on the lower trims. FWD models used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic. The 1.3-liter engine and CVT combination provided adequate power, though it was a bit buzzy. The Encore GX's ride was less settled than expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated. Despite this, the CVT did not drone, and the vehicle handled daily driving tasks competently.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not improve cabin space. Despite a longer wheelbase, it had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger's access to controls. However, the Envision remained comfortable, with standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Forward visibility was a challenge for shorter drivers.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, though small, offered a comfortable and easy-to-live-with cabin. Ingress and egress were effortless, and controls were clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.2 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet in length with the front passenger seat and rear seats folded flat. The optional hands-free power liftgate and adjustable height feature added convenience.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch and displaying necessary functionalities clearly. The driver could use an available 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and front and rear USB ports. Available features included navigation, Amazon Alexa capability, and an upgraded infotainment system with advanced voice recognition. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Convenience package included automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included Buckle to Drive, following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, lane change alert, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed well in safety tests, earning five stars from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system were also standard.