Compare the2024 Buick Encore GXVS 2022 Toyota C-HR

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 C-HR 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 C-HR doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The C-HR doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

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

Both the Encore GX and the C-HR have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available blind spot warning systems.

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 Toyota C-HR:

	Encore GX	C-HR
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	24%	27%
Neck Stress	190 lbs.	312 lbs.
Neck Compression	15 lbs.	24 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	83/261 lbs.	383/344 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	29%	41%
Neck Stress	153 lbs.	238 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 Toyota C-HR:

	Encore GX	C-HR
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	185	333
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	58 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	13 inches
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	40 G’s
Hip Force	591 lbs.	714 lbs.

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

Warranty

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

There are over 58 percent more Buick dealers than there are Toyota 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 C-HR’s 520-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 C-HR isn’t in the top three.

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 Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 32 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

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 Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked fifth.

Engine

The Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder produces 23 lbs.-ft. more torque (162 vs. 139) than the C-HR’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder produces 11 more horsepower (155 vs. 144) and 35 lbs.-ft. more torque (174 vs. 139) than the C-HR’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder is faster than the Toyota C-HR:

	Encore GX	C-HR
Zero to 60 MPH	8.8 sec	11 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	28.1 sec	33.8 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	10.1 sec	11.8 sec
Quarter Mile	16.9 sec	18.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	82 MPH	79 MPH
Top Speed	120 MPH	115 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Encore GX gets better mileage than the C-HR:

			MPG
Encore GX
	FWD	1.2 turbo 3-cyl.	30 city/31 hwy
		1.3 turbo 3-cyl.	29 city/31 hwy
C-HR
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Encore GX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The C-HR 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 C-HR doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Buick Encore GX uses regular unleaded gasoline. The C-HR requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 82.8 cents more per gallon.

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 C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR (3). This means the Encore GX produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the C-HR every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Encore GX	C-HR
Front Rotors	11.81 inches	11.7 inches

The Encore GX stops much shorter than the C-HR:

	Encore GX	C-HR
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	137 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Encore GX Avenir’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-HR (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 C-HR’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Encore GX Avenir has standard 19-inch wheels. The C-HR’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

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 C-HR doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The Encore GX has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The C-HR doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Encore GX is .5 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the C-HR.

The Encore GX AWD handles at .84 G’s, while the C-HR Limited pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Encore GX AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the C-HR XLE (27.8 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.3 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

The Buick Encore GX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 50 to 300 pounds less than the Toyota C-HR.

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 C-HR doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Encore GX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The C-HR doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Encore GX has 8.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the C-HR (94.3 vs. 86).

The Encore GX has 1.6 inches more front headroom, 6.4 inches more front shoulder room, 4.3 inches more rear legroom, 2.7 inches more rear hip room and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the C-HR.

Cargo Capacity

The Encore GX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the C-HR with its rear seat up (23.5 vs. 19.1 cubic feet). The Encore GX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the C-HR with its rear seat folded (50.2 vs. 37 cubic feet).

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 C-HR doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The Encore GX has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The C-HR 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 C-HR can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

An Oil Life Monitor is standard on the Encore GX to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, air filter replacement, and brake pad replacement, based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the C-HR.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks Buick fifth in service department satisfaction. With a 24% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

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 C-HR 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 C-HR doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Encore GX Essence’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 C-HR doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Encore GX Select/Essence offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The C-HR doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

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 C-HR doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The C-HR’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Encore GX’s standard doors lock when the transmission is engaged. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights. (The power lock’s automatic feature may have to be activated by your dealer.)

The Encore GX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The C-HR’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 C-HR’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

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 C-HR’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 C-HR 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 C-HR doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

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 C-HR 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 C-HR doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Encore GX Essence’s optional Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The C-HR doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Buick Encore GX and the Toyota C-HR, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Buick Encore outsold the Toyota C-HR by almost four to one during 2022.