2022 Buick Encore GX

Cars in this category tend to focus on agility and ease of driving in tight spaces. The Encore GX follows this theory with surprising effectiveness: it feels nimble when driving through packed city streets, and its light steering makes it easy to park in smaller spaces, although we did notice that its turning circle is not as tight as some would like. The most surprising characteristic of the Encore GX is that you can have a little fun with it when you're up to speed, even though it's not naturally very engaging: it's highly entertaining to use momentum driving when pushing through the corners, and the slight amount of body roll on display is entirely acceptable for a relatively high-riding crossover SUV. Another positive characteristic of the Encore GX's driving dynamics is that with so little power on offer, wheelspin is rarely an issue, especially in AWD guise, boosting driver confidence.

The Encore's budget-friendly suspension setup does have a few faults, however: the rear torsion beam setup can cause a bouncy ride for those in the back when navigating uneven terrain. Braking performance is good, and we didn't experience significant brake fade after extensive testing.

Buick isn't the first name that comes to mind when you think of young and hip brands, but the Encore GX aims to change that perception, and we think it might just do it. The standard Encore is a rather forgettable car, but the GX adds just enough attitude and features to make it competitive. The exterior styling is cute and strikes a good balance between city-slicking urbanite and crossover SUV. Inside, the cabin offers a surprisingly large amount of space, and while the materials might not be class-leading, the interior design is pleasing to the eye, and nothing feels as if it will fall apart any time soon. The infotainment system is one of the best we've tested in the segment, and there are quite a number of standard features. On the road, the Encore GX isn't perfect, but it passes as an everyday runabout. The engine isn't a powerhouse but returns good gas mileage. The GX is miles ahead of the standard Encore and is worth a look.

How much difference is there when it comes down to the GX vs the Encore in standard guise, and which one is better? Price-wise there is only $400 differentiating the base models of these two cars, with the GX being the cheaper one. It quickly becomes apparent why the GX is the better choice. In terms of cargo space, the GX has over 50 cubes on offer, which outshines the standard 48.4 cubic feet on the Encore. There are also a few more standard driver assistance features on the GX, including forward collision assist, and a resulting safety rating that is better on the GX. The interior is much the same on both cars, and while there is not much difference under the hood, the Encore's 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four makes a smidge more torque. Fuel economy takes a knock on the Encore as a result of the larger motor. We'd go with the GX.

The Encore GX feels decidedly sub-luxury, so how does it compare to one of the more premium models in this category? With a starting price of around $33k, the Lexus UX is priced way above the Encore GX. The UX is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that pumps out 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque and doesn't feel any faster or slower than the Encore GX but does have longer legs when it comes to highway cruising. On the road, the Lexus is a much more refined car to drive. The interior is also leagues ahead of the Encore GX, thanks to a fine selection of materials, excellent build quality, and a more mature design. The Lexus also gets superior features on even the base trim, such as dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, and the option of a 10.3-inch multimedia display. The Lexus is the more premium car, but value for money always seals the deal in this class. Please give us the Buick.