Compare the2024 Buick Encore GXVS 2022 Honda HR-V

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

Safety

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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 Encore GX are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The HR-V doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Buick Encore GX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The HR-V doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Encore GX offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The HR-V only offers a rear monitor.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Encore GX’s standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors in the rear to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear cross-path warning system.

The Encore GX has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the HR-V’s blind spot costs extra.

The Encore GX has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The HR-V doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Encore GX and the HR-V have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, and rearview cameras.

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

	Encore GX	HR-V
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	185	481
Neck Stress	190 lbs.	244 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	29%	41%
Neck Stress	153 lbs.	218 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	409/383 lbs.	574/500 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 Buick Encore GX is safer than the Honda HR-V:

	Encore GX	HR-V
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	91	148
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	185	357
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	59 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	591 lbs.	799 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 available headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Encore GX the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 176 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The HR-V has not been fully tested, yet.

Warranty

The Encore GX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the HR-V’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 83 percent more Buick dealers than there are Honda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Encore GX’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Encore GX has a standard 760-amp battery. The HR-V’s 410-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Encore GX first among small SUVs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The HR-V isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 28 more problems per 100 vehicles, Honda is ranked 18th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 83 more problems per 100 vehicles, Honda is ranked 24th.

Engine

The Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder produces 35 lbs.-ft. more torque (162 vs. 127) than the HR-V’s 1.8 SOHC 4-cylinder. The Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder produces 14 more horsepower (155 vs. 141) and 47 lbs.-ft. more torque (174 vs. 127) than the HR-V’s 1.8 SOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder is faster than the Honda HR-V:

	Encore GX	HR-V
Zero to 30 MPH	3.4 sec	4.3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	9.4 sec	10.5 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	6.4 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter Mile	17.3 sec	18.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	82 MPH	81.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Encore GX’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 HR-V doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Encore GX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The HR-V doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

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

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Encore GX’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the HR-V:

	Encore GX	HR-V
Front Rotors	11.81 inches	11.5 inches

The Encore GX stops shorter than the HR-V:

	Encore GX	HR-V
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	126 feet	132 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	139 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Encore GX has larger standard tires than the HR-V (225/55R18 vs. 215/55R17). The Encore GX Avenir’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the HR-V (245/45R19 vs. 225/50R18).

The Encore GX Avenir’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the HR-V Sport’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Encore GX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the HR-V. The Encore GX Avenir’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the HR-V Sport.

The Encore GX 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 HR-V doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Encore GX is .6 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the HR-V.

The Encore GX AWD handles at .84 G’s, while the HR-V EX-L AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Encore GX’s turning circle is .5 feet tighter than the HR-V’s (36.9 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Encore GX’s turning circle is 1.8 feet tighter than the HR-V Sport’s (36.9 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

Chassis

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

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Encore GX AWD is quieter than the HR-V EX-L AWD:

	Encore GX	HR-V
Full-Throttle	73 dB	77 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	71 dB

Passenger Space

The Encore GX has .2 inches more front headroom and 3.3 inches more rear hip room than the HR-V.

Cargo Capacity

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Encore GX offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the Encore GX Avenir, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The HR-V doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Encore GX has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The HR-V has no towing capacity.

The Encore GX AWD 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 Encore GX can be unhitched and driven around locally. The HR-V can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Honda. J.D. Power ranks Buick fifth in service department satisfaction. With a 37% lower rating, Honda is ranked 25th.

Ergonomics

The Encore GX offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The HR-V doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When two different drivers share the Encore GX Avenir, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The HR-V doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Encore GX Avenir’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 HR-V doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the Encore GX and the HR-V have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Encore GX is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The HR-V prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Encore GX’s front and rear power windows all lower 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 HR-V’s passenger windows don’t open automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Encore GX’s available exterior PIN entry system. The HR-V doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Encore GX’s standard variable intermittent wipers have an adjustable delay to allow the driver to choose a setting that best clears the windshield during light rain or mist. The HR-V LX/Sport’s standard fixed intermittent wipers only have one fixed delay setting, so the driver will have to manually switch them between slow and intermittent. The Encore GX Avenir’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The HR-V EX/EX-L’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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

The Encore GX has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The HR-V has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the EX/EX-L.

The Encore GX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Honda only offers heated mirrors on the HR-V EX/EX-L.

When the Encore GX Avenir 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 HR-V’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

On extremely cold winter days, the Encore GX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The HR-V doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Encore GX offers an optional center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The HR-V doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Encore GX Avenir’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 HR-V doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Buick Encore GX offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The HR-V doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Encore GX Avenir has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The HR-V doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Buick Encore GX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Honda HR-V isn't recommended.

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