Compare the2024 Cadillac XT4VS 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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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 XT4 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 XT4 has standard Automatic Emergency Braking, 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 XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking 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.

The XT4’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.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XT4 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Buick charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Encore and the Encore’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the XT4 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, 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 and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac XT4 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	XT4	Encore
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	218 lbs.	298 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	181/231 lbs.	363/313 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 Cadillac XT4 is safer than the Buick Encore:

	XT4	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	328 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	598 lbs.	672 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
HIC	204	382
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	522 lbs.	707 lbs.

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the XT4 is 1.2% to 4.4% less likely to roll over than the Encore.

Warranty

The XT4 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck. The Encore’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Cadillac’s powertrain warranty covers the XT4 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Buick covers the Encore. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Encore ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The XT4’s 6 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Encore runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the XT4 third among compact premium suvs in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The Encore isn’t in the top three in its category.

Engine

The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 80 more horsepower (235 vs. 155) and 81 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cadillac XT4 is faster than the Buick Encore:

	XT4	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	7.4 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	15.7 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89.8 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT4’s fuel efficiency. The Encore doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the XT4’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 XT4 FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (15.9 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT4 AWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (16.3 vs. 14 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Cadillac XT4, 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 XT4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	XT4	Encore
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.6 inches

The XT4’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Encore are solid, not vented.

The XT4 stops shorter than the Encore:

	XT4	Encore
70 to 0 MPH	172 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the XT4 has larger standard tires than the Encore (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R18). The XT4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (245/45R20 vs. 215/55R18).

The XT4’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XT4 offers optional 20-inch wheels. The Encore’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The XT4 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.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Cadillac XT4 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 XT4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the XT4 flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The XT4 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT4’s wheelbase is 8.8 inches longer than on the Encore (109.4 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT4 is 2.5 inches wider in the front and 2.5 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The XT4 Sport AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the Encore pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XT4 Sport AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 3.3 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (26.3 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the XT4 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (6.7 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the XT4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport 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 XT4 has 8.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (101.3 vs. 92.8).

The XT4 has 3.3 inches more front legroom, 2.8 inches more front hip room, 2.8 inches more front shoulder room, 3.7 inches more rear legroom and 2.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

Cargo Capacity

The XT4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (22.5 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The XT4 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (48.9 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

The XT4’s cargo area is larger than the Encore’s in almost every dimension:

	XT4	Encore
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	37.5”/67.4”	28.5”/55.8”
Max Width	50”	39.5”
Min Width	38.7”	36”
Height	26.6”	31.8”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XT4. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the XT4 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The XT4 has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the XT4 uses the StabiliTrak® 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 XT4 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Buick. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With an 8% lower rating, Buick is ranked fifth.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’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 Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The XT4’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Encore does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer 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 Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XT4’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 XT4’s front power windows 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 front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

On a hot day the XT4’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XT4’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The XT4’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 XT4 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 avoid possible obstacles, the XT4 (except Luxury) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport 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 XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The XT4 offers optional heated front and rear seats, which keep the driver and passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport 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 XT4’s optional 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 XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Encore.

The XT4’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 XT4’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 XT4 and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the XT4 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 XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional 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.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional Automatic Park Assist can parallel park by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Encore doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the XT4 is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost less on the XT4 than the Encore, including $132 less for front brake pads, $70 less for a fuel pump and $30 less for front struts.