Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented a familiar yet refreshed design, echoing Jeep's traditional styling cues while offering a more compact two-row version compared to the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. This SUV was available in a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering distinct features and capabilities. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with its forward-leaning grille and headlights, and a black roof option added a modern touch. Inside, the Grand Cherokee maintained a high standard of quality across trims, with the Summit Reserve offering premium leather, a high-end audio system, and a panoramic sunroof, though some controls suffered from glare due to their glossy finish.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design lineage, opting for a modern look that some found awkward due to its rounded surfaces and tall stance. The Sport Touring Package attempted to enhance its appearance with subtle exterior modifications, but the differences were not immediately noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, but the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard design was reminiscent of 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster was a standout feature with its clear and functional layout.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 357 horsepower, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided a balance of efficiency and power, while the V8 offered a more thrilling driving experience at the cost of fuel economy. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 to 7,200 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Three 4WD systems were available, with the Quadra-Drive II system offering the most off-road capability. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, featuring an air suspension, electronic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road prowess, the Trailhawk's on-road ride was less refined, making other trims more suitable for everyday driving.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The 1.3-liter engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission in AWD models, provided adequate acceleration but required a patient driving style due to its turbocharged nature. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with slow steering and significant body roll detracting from the overall experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable cabin for front passengers, with higher trims offering luxury features like heated and ventilated seats. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence in various conditions. Rear-seat space was limited, particularly for taller passengers, and the two-row model offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, front seats were positioned closely together, reducing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo space was respectable at 23.5 cubic feet, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Encore GX featured ample small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens, including a 10.25-inch passenger display. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition was not flawless.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with an 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was easy to use, with clear graphics, though the screen size was smaller than some competitors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist for semi-autonomous driving. The vehicle's structure was reinforced with high-strength steel, though crash-test results were pending.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022.