Compare the2022 GMC TerrainVS 2022 Buick Encore GX

Both the Terrain and the Encore GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all-wheel drive, 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 GMC Terrain is safer than the Buick Encore GX:

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

The Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 33 more horsepower (170 vs. 137) and 41 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 162) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The Terrain’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 more horsepower (170 vs. 155) and 29 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

The Terrain FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (14.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Terrain AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore GX (15.6 vs. 13.2 gallons).

For better traction, the Terrain’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore GX (235/50R19 vs. 225/55R18).

The Terrain’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore GX’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Terrain offers optional 19-inch wheels. The Encore GX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

For superior ride and handling, the GMC Terrain 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 rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Terrain’s wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the Encore GX (107.3 inches vs. 102.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Terrain is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .6 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore GX.

For greater off-road capability the Terrain SLT/AT4/Denali has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore GX (7.9 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the Terrain to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Terrain has 8.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore GX (103.2 vs. 94.3).

The Terrain has .3 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more front hip room, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, .4 inches more rear headroom, 3.7 inches more rear legroom, 4.3 inches more rear hip room and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore GX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Terrain’s rear seats recline. The Encore GX’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore GX with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 23.5 cubic feet). The Terrain has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore GX with its rear seat folded (63.3 vs. 50.2 cubic feet).

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

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

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Terrain uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Encore GX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Terrain’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Encore GX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

On a hot day the Terrain’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore GX can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Terrain’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore GX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Terrain and the Encore GX offer optional heated front seats. The Terrain Denali also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Encore GX.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Terrain Denali keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Encore GX doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Both the Terrain and the Encore GX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Terrain 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.

Insurance will cost less for the Terrain owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Terrain will cost $465 less than the Encore GX over a five-year period.