Compare the2026 Buick Encore GXVS 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The Buick Encore GX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help 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 Cherokee doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the Encore GX and the Cherokee have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

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

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Encore GX has a standard 760-amp battery. The Cherokee’s 550-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Encore GX first among small suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Cherokee isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick above average in initial quality. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 132 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 33rd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Buick 16 places higher in reliability than Jeep.

As tested in Motor Trend the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder is faster than the Jeep Cherokee:

The Encore GX stops shorter than the Cherokee:

For better traction, the Encore GX’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Cherokee (245/45R19 vs. 235/50R20).

The Encore GX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cherokee’s standard 65 series tires. The Encore GX’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Cherokee Overland’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 Cherokee.

The Encore GX AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Cherokee Overland pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Encore GX AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the Cherokee Overland (27.8 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Encore GX’s turning circle is 3.4 feet tighter than the Cherokee’s (36.9 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

The Buick Encore GX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 to 1250 pounds less than the Jeep Cherokee.

The Encore GX is 1 foot, 4.9 inches shorter than the Cherokee, making the Encore GX easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Jeep. J.D. Power ranks Buick 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 16% lower rating, Jeep is ranked 21st.

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 Cherokee’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully.

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 Cherokee doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

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 Cherokee’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Encore GX is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Cherokee doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Buick Encore GX, based on reliability, safety and performance.