GMC Terrain vs Buick Encore GX

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and enhanced taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, equipped with various packages that raised its MSRP to $41,810. Despite the upscale appearance, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for its price range, with some features like the head-up display and pushbutton transmission controls falling short in terms of user-friendliness and craftsmanship.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's historical design prowess, presenting awkward proportions and a lack of distinctive styling. The Sport Touring Package attempted to enhance its appearance with subtle modifications, but the differences were minimal. 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. The dashboard design was reminiscent of outdated automotive styles, though the instrument cluster was a notable feature. Overall, the Encore GX's design and materials did not convey a sense of luxury or innovation.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power delivery required some adaptation, the nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain torque availability. The Terrain's performance was adequate compared to competitors, but the absence of the previously available 2.0-liter engine was felt, especially in situations requiring rapid acceleration. The AT4 model offered FWD and AWD modes, with additional off-road capabilities, but torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain's suspension provided a comfortable ride on various surfaces, though off-road performance was limited by its ground clearance and tire grip.

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 AWD model with the 1.3-liter engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission delivered stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not always smooth. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, the driving experience was hindered by slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel less agile than desired.

The 2022 GMC Terrain provided a spacious interior with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat offered ample legroom and support, with additional conveniences like a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space was generous, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.3 cubic feet with them folded, plus a foldable front passenger seat for longer items. Storage solutions were abundant, though some areas, like the storage tray, were less practical.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals. However, front seat placement reduced the sense of spaciousness, and the seats lacked thigh support. Cargo space was respectable at 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and useful hard buttons, though the absence of a 360-degree camera button was noted.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured two infotainment systems, with the higher trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen with connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Additional features like Tire Fill Alert and remote engine start added convenience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics and standard features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, rear passengers lacked USB ports, and the screen size was smaller than some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 model.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests.