Compare the2022 Chevrolet TraxVS 2022 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.

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.

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 Trax’s reliability 14 points higher than the Encore GX.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Trax third among small suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The Encore GX isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked 12th.

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 1.4 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.8 feet). The Trax LT’s turning circle is .1 feet tighter than the Encore GX’s (36.7 feet vs. 36.8 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.

Insurance will cost less for the Trax owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Trax will cost $245 less than the Encore GX over a five-year period.

The Trax will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Trax will retain 45.97% to 46.16% of its original price after five years, while the Encore GX only retains 44.51% to 45.1%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Trax will be $2895 to $5990 less than for the Buick Encore GX.

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

The Chevrolet Trax outsold the Buick Encore by 23% during 2020.