Compare the2022 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2021 Buick Encore GX

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Corolla Cross XLE has standard Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Encore GX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

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

The Corolla Cross’ corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore GX’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Corolla Cross for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Buick doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Encore GX.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Corolla Cross’ 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’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked fifth.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in reliability. Buick is ranked fourth.

The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (169 vs. 137) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (169 vs. 155) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Corolla Cross gets better fuel mileage than the Encore GX:

For better stopping power the Corolla Cross’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore GX:

For superior ride and handling, the Corolla Cross AWD has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore GX has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Corolla Cross has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Corolla Cross flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Corolla Cross’ wheelbase is 1.7 inches longer than on the Encore GX (103.9 inches vs. 102.2 inches).

For better maneuverability, the Corolla Cross’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Corolla Cross has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore GX (8.1 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the Corolla Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Corolla Cross has 2 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front hip room and 1 inch more rear headroom than the Encore GX.

The Corolla Cross has a much larger cargo volume than the Encore GX with its rear seat up (25.5 vs. 23.5 cubic feet).

The Corolla Cross’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the Encore GX’s (1500 vs. 1000 pounds).

Both the Corolla Cross and the Encore GX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Corolla Cross has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore GX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Toyota Corolla comes in sedan, four door hatchback and four door bodystyles; the Buick Encore GX isn’t available as a sedan or four door hatchback.