Compare the2022 Buick Encore GXVS 2022 Cadillac XT4

The Encore GX’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the XT4.

Both the Encore GX and the XT4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors 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 Buick Encore GX is safer than the Cadillac XT4:

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

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Encore GX the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 145 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The XT4 has not been fully tested, yet.

There are over 2 times as many Buick dealers as there are Cadillac dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Encore GX’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Encore GX’s reliability 51 points higher than the XT4.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Cadillac vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick 12th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 17 more problems per 100 vehicles, Cadillac is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Cadillac vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Buick fourth in reliability. Cadillac is ranked 21st.

On the EPA test cycle the Encore GX gets better mileage than the XT4:

Regenerative brakes improve the Encore GX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The XT4 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Both the Encore GX and the XT4 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stop lights and heavy traffic. All Encore GXs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Buick Encore GX uses regular unleaded gasoline. The XT4 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Encore GX has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The XT4 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Encore GX stops shorter than the XT4:

The Encore GX’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XT4’s standard 60 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Encore GX’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the XT4’s (36.8 feet vs. 38 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Encore GX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the XT4 (7.5 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Encore GX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Buick Encore GX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 650 pounds less than the Cadillac XT4.

The Encore GX is 9.7 inches shorter than the XT4, making the Encore GX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Encore GX Essence AWD is quieter than the XT4 Sport AWD (73 vs. 75 dB).

The Encore GX has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XT4 with its rear seat up (23.5 vs. 22.5 cubic feet). The Encore GX has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XT4 with its rear seat folded (50.2 vs. 48.9 cubic feet).

The Encore GX’s cargo area is larger than the XT4’s in almost every dimension:

The Encore GX AWD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Encore GX can be unhitched and driven around locally. The XT4 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Encore GX’s available exterior PIN entry system. The XT4 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its OnStar® can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The Encore GX Essence has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XT4 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Buick Encore GX will be $9940 to $9979 less than for the Cadillac XT4.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Buick Encore GX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Cadillac XT4 isn't recommended.

The Buick Encore outsold the Cadillac XT4 by almost seven to one during the 2021 model year.