Compare the2023 Jeep CherokeeVS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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The Cherokee has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Encore doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Cherokee has standard Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Cherokee has standard Parksense with Rear Stop that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Encore doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

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

The Cherokee’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 Cherokee has standard Rear Cross-Path Detection, helping the driver avoid collisions. Buick charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Encore.

Both the Cherokee and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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 and rearview cameras.

The Jeep Cherokee weighs 517 to 1023 pounds more than the Buick Encore. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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

	Cherokee	Encore
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	166	207
Neck Injury Risk	37%	38%
Neck Compression	26 lbs.	104 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	241/259 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 Jeep Cherokee is safer than the Buick Encore:

	Cherokee	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	64	73
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	363 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
HIC	203	382
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	490 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-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, with its optional front crash prevention system, its “Good” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Cherokee the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 195 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore was last qualified as only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

The Jeep Cherokee has a better fatality history. The Cherokee was involved in fatal accidents at a rate 23.3% lower per vehicle registered than the Encore, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Warranty

The Cherokee’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Jeep pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cherokee for 3 years and unlimited miles. Jeep will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance (up to 3 oil changes). Buick doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Encore.

There are over 22 percent more Jeep dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Cherokee’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Cherokee has a standard 160-amp alternator (180-amp - Cherokee optional). The Encore’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Cherokee has a standard 700-amp battery. The Encore’s 438-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The Cherokee’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 25 more horsepower (180 vs. 155) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder. The Cherokee Trailhawk’s optional 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 115 more horsepower (270 vs. 155) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Jeep Cherokee is faster than the Buick Encore:

	Cherokee 4 cyl.	Cherokee Trailhawk	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	9.5 sec	6.6 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	17.2 sec	15.2 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	80.5 MPH	90.3 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Cherokee’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. 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.

The Cherokee has 1.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (15.8 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Jeep Cherokee, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Encore.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Cherokee’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	Cherokee	Encore
Front Rotors	13 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	10.95 inches	10.6 inches
Opt Rear Rotors	12.6 inches

The Cherokee stops shorter than the Encore:

	Cherokee	Encore
60 to 0 MPH	121 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Cherokee has larger standard tires than the Encore (225/60R18 vs. 215/55R18). The Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (245/65R17 vs. 215/55R18).

The Cherokee has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Encore doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Cherokee Trailhawk has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Encore; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Jeep Cherokee 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 Cherokee has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Cherokee flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Cherokee’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Encore doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Cherokee’s wheelbase is 6 inches longer than on the Encore (106.6 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Cherokee is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Encore.

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

The Cherokee Altitude LUX executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27.1 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Cherokee has a 1.7 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (7.9 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the Cherokee to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Cherokee Trailhawk’s minimum ground clearance is 2.5 inches higher than on the Encore (8.7 vs. 6.2 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Cherokee (except Trailhawk) 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 Cherokee has 10.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (103.5 vs. 92.8).

The Cherokee has .3 inches more front legroom, 2.1 inches more front hip room, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room, 4.5 inches more rear legroom and 2.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

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

Cargo Capacity

The Cherokee has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (27.6 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The Cherokee has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

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

	Cherokee	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	33.9”/67.6”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	49.2”	39.5”
Min Width	39.4”	36”
Height	28.8”	31.8”

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Cherokee. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

Towing

The Cherokee has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

The Cherokee 4x4 with optional equipment 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 Cherokee can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Encore can’t be towed flat on the ground.

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

Servicing Ease

The Cherokee uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Cherokee, the optional memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and radio stations. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Cherokee’s optional 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 Cherokee’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 Cherokee’s 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.

The Cherokee’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Cherokee’s 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 Cherokee Trailhawk detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

When the Cherokee with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Encore’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Cherokee’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 Cherokee 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.

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

On extremely cold winter days, the Cherokee’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 Cherokee’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 Cherokee’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 Cherokee and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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.

The Cherokee’s ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Encore doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Cherokee is less expensive to operate than the Encore because it costs $291 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Cherokee than the Encore, including $111 less for front brake pads and $125 less for a power steering pump.