Compare the2022 Honda CR-V HybridVS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the CR-V Hybrid deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The CR-V Hybrid’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Encore’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The CR-V Hybrid has standard Collision Mitigation Braking System, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CR-V Hybrid. But it costs extra on the Encore.

The CR-V Hybrid’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 Encore.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CR-V Hybrid has a standard cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Cross-path warning costs extra on the Encore.

The CR-V Hybrid’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CR-V Hybrid and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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 and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda CR-V Hybrid is safer than the Buick Encore:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	175 lbs.	298 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	65/19 lbs.	363/313 lbs.

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda CR-V Hybrid is safer than the Buick Encore:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	71	73
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	310 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	567 lbs.	672 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	543 lbs.	707 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the CR-V Hybrid is 1.5% to 3.4% less likely to roll over than the Encore.

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 “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CR-V Hybrid the rating of “Top Pick” for 2021, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore last would have qualified as a “Top Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The CR-V Hybrid’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Engine

The CR-V Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 57 more horsepower (212 vs. 155) and 55 lbs.-ft. more torque (232 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Honda CR-V Hybrid is faster than the Buick Encore:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	7.5 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	16 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	86.3 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CR-V Hybrid gets better mileage than the Encore:

			MPG
CR-V Hybrid
		2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/35 hwy
Encore
	FWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/32 hwy
	AWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy

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

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the CR-V Hybrid’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Honda CR-V Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Buick Encore (5). This means the CR-V Hybrid produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Encore every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The CR-V Hybrid 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 Encore doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CR-V Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	10.6 inches

The CR-V Hybrid stops much shorter than the Encore:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
70 to 0 MPH	173 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CR-V Hybrid has larger tires than the Encore (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CR-V Hybrid Touring has standard 19-inch wheels. The Encore’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda CR-V Hybrid 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 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The CR-V Hybrid has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the CR-V Hybrid flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CR-V Hybrid’s wheelbase is 4.1 inches longer than on the Encore (104.7 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CR-V Hybrid is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 2.9 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The CR-V Hybrid Touring handles at .81 G’s, while the Encore AWD pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CR-V Hybrid Touring executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (28 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the CR-V Hybrid has a 2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (8.2 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the CR-V Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the CR-V Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Encore doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The CR-V Hybrid has 10.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (102.9 vs. 92.8).

The CR-V Hybrid has .5 inches more front legroom, 3.4 inches more front hip room, 3.7 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 4.6 inches more rear legroom and 3.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the CR-V Hybrid’s rear seats recline. The Encore’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The CR-V Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (33.2 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The CR-V Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (68.7 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CR-V Hybrid easier. The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 26 inches, while the Encore’s liftover is 28.8 inches.

The CR-V Hybrid’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in every dimension:

	CR-V Hybrid	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37.5”/71”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	54”	39.5”
Min Width	41.5”	36”
Height	41”	31.8”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CR-V Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the CR-V Hybrid. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the CR-V Hybrid Touring, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CR-V Hybrid, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Encore doesn’t offer memory seats.

The CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CR-V Hybrid’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The CR-V Hybrid’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the CR-V Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CR-V Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Encore doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

Consumer Reports rated the CR-V Hybrid’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Encore’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the CR-V Hybrid detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring’s standard rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

The CR-V Hybrid has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

On extremely cold winter days, the CR-V Hybrid EX-L/Touring’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The CR-V Hybrid’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The CR-V Hybrid’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

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

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the CR-V Hybrid has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Honda CR-V Hybrid and the Buick Encore, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The CR-V was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” for 3 of the last 20 years. The Encore has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.

Motor Trend selected the CR-V as their 2018 Sport Utility of the Year. The Encore has never been chosen.