Compare the2023 Toyota Corolla CrossVS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Toyota Corolla Cross have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Buick Encore doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Corolla Cross are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Encore doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Corolla Cross has a standard Pre-Collision System, which uses 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.

The Corolla Cross has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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

The Corolla Cross’ 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.

The Corolla Cross’ 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 Corolla Cross and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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 Toyota Corolla Cross is safer than the Buick Encore:

	Corolla Cross	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	243 lbs.	298 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	330/310 lbs.	363/313 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	27%	38%
Neck Compression	86 lbs.	104 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/156 lbs.	249/289 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 Toyota Corolla Cross is safer than the Buick Encore:

	Corolla Cross	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	330 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	367 lbs.	672 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	14 inches
HIC	239	382
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	623 lbs.	707 lbs.

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 standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Corolla Cross its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 126 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore last would have qualified as only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The Corolla Cross’ corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’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.

Reliability

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 Corolla Cross’ reliability 13 points higher than the Encore.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Buick is ranked 11th.

Engine

The Corolla Cross’ 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (169 vs. 155) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Corolla Cross is faster than the Buick Encore:

	Corolla Cross	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	9.3 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	17.1 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	83.1 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
Corolla Cross
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	31 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	29 city/32 hwy
Encore
	FWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/32 hwy
	AWD	1.4 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Corolla Cross’ 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. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The Corolla Cross 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 Corolla Cross’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	Corolla Cross	Encore
Front Rotors	12 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	11.1 inches	10.6 inches

The Corolla Cross stops shorter than the Encore:

	Corolla Cross	Encore
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Corolla Cross XLE’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (225/55R18 vs. 215/55R18).

Suspension and Handling

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 has a solid rear axle, with a non-independent rear suspension.

The Corolla Cross AWD has front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Corolla Cross AWD 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 Corolla Cross’ wheelbase is 3.3 inches longer than on the Encore (103.9 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Corolla Cross is .8 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Encore.

The Corolla Cross XLE AWD handles at .80 G’s, while the Encore AWD pulls only .72 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Corolla Cross XLE AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (28.2 seconds @ .57 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Corolla Cross’ turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Encore’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Corolla Cross has a 1.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (8.1 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the Corolla Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The Corolla Cross has 2.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (94.9 vs. 92.8).

The Corolla Cross has 2.1 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more front hip room and .2 inches more rear headroom than the Encore.

Cargo Capacity

The Corolla Cross has a much larger cargo volume than the Encore with its rear seat up (26.5 vs. 18.8 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Corolla Cross XLE offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Payload and Towing

The Corolla Cross has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

The Corolla Cross has a higher standard payload capacity than the Encore (1160 vs. 1018 lbs.).

The Corolla Cross has a higher maximum payload capacity than the Encore (1175 vs. 1026 lbs.).

Ergonomics

The Corolla Cross’ 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 Corolla Cross’ front and rear power windows all 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 passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Cross 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. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Corolla Cross 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.

The Corolla Cross’ LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

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

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Corolla Cross XLE offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Encore doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Corolla Cross’ optional 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 Corolla Cross XLE 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.

The Corolla Cross XLE’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 Corolla Cross LE/XLE’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 Corolla Cross and the Encore 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 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Corolla Cross has a standard Dynamic Radar 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 Toyota Corolla LE/XLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Model Availability

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

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Corolla Cross as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Corolla outsold the Buick Encore by almost six to one during 2022.