Compare the2022 Chevrolet TraxVS 2021 Buick Encore GX

Both the Trax and the Encore GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Trax is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Trax the rating of “Top Pick” for 2016, a rating granted to only 219 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore GX has not been tested, yet.

There are over 48 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Trax’s warranty.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Trax’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Encore GX’s camshafts. If the Encore GX’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Trax third among small suvs in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The Encore GX isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked 7th.

The Trax’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 18 more horsepower (155 vs. 137) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (177 vs. 162) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The Trax’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 3 lbs.-ft. more torque (177 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

The Trax stops shorter than the Encore GX:

For better maneuverability, the Trax LS’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Trax LT’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (36.7 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Trax is 3.8 inches shorter than the Encore GX, making the Trax easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Trax has .7 inches more rear headroom and 3.2 inches more rear hip room than the Encore GX.

The front step up height for the Trax is .7 inches lower than the Encore GX (16.8” vs. 17.5”). The Trax’s rear step up height is 1.2 inches lower than the Encore GX’s (16.8” vs. 18”).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Trax easier. The Trax’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.8 inches, while the Encore GX’s liftover is 30.5 inches.

The Car Book by Jack Gillis recommends the Chevrolet Trax, based on economy, maintenance, safety and complaint levels.