2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was a stylish upgrade from its predecessor, the original Encore, which was humorously nicknamed “the shoe” by GM insiders. The Encore GX boasted a sleek design with no awkward proportions or unsatisfying lines, making it a visually appealing choice for buyers. It was available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package for a sportier look. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines on offer. The 1.2-liter engine was exclusive to FWD, while the 1.3-liter engine was available with both FWD and AWD. Pricing started at $24,200 for the base model and went up to $30,600 for the top-tier Essence AWD. The test model featured the Essence trim with the 1.3-liter engine, but without AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite its premium positioning, the Encore GX's interior quality was typical for the small SUV segment, with some design quirks like hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD) that detracted from its overall refinement.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia was a large SUV that had been around since 2007, with a facelift in 2018 to update its headlights and grille. For 2021, it introduced the Nightshade Special Edition, but the overall design remained largely unchanged. The Sequoia's massive size was evident both inside and out, with a multi-tiered center dash design reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen looked small against the expansive dashboard, and while the front seats were bulky, they didn't offer much headroom for taller drivers, especially with the optional sunroof. However, the second-row seats provided ample headroom and legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers. The Sequoia was available in several trims, including SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinum, each offering various features and styling touches. The test model was the Nightshade edition, featuring black 20-inch wheels, black leather upholstery, and several optional upgrades. The TRD Pro trim was designed for off-road use, while the Platinum trim offered additional luxury features.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance for the small SUV. The Encore GX's driving experience was described as adequate, with enough power for highway cruising and a light steering effort that made it easy to maneuver. FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite Buick's efforts to enhance cabin quietness, the Encore GX was not particularly quiet inside, and its ride quality was criticized for being too brittle over rough roads and too soft over speed humps. The Encore GX excelled on narrow, winding roads, thanks to its nimble size and controlled body roll. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg during testing, slightly below the official EPA estimate.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, even for the hefty SUV, which could weigh up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's six-speed automatic transmission was a throwback compared to modern multi-speed transmissions, but it contributed to the SUV's truck-like driving dynamics. The Sequoia exhibited some body roll in corners, but its wide stance helped it settle in. The brakes were strong, though touchy, and the Sequoia's towing capacity was 7,400 pounds, falling behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. Despite its age, the Sequoia's driving experience was appreciated by those who enjoyed the feel of a capable pickup truck.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered a high seating position, with supportive front seats that were comfortable for long drives. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a low, flat seat cushion. Interior storage was surprisingly good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia's standout feature was its spacious cabin, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all rear seats folded, the Sequoia provided an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided ample storage options for passengers.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system supported Bluetooth connectivity for two devices simultaneously and included a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle's Advanced Technology Package added navigation, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was part of the optional Convenience Package. Despite its premium price, the test car lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was praised for its quick response, impressive voice recognition, and user-friendly interface.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The test model had a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was from Toyota's previous generation, but it offered modern smartphone connectivity and was easy to use. The digital trip computer was small but straightforward, and the system's simplicity was appreciated despite its dated appearance.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came equipped with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on Select and Essence trims, while adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. In crash tests, the Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors were also standard. While the Sequoia lacked more advanced safety tech like lane-keeping assist, it provided a comprehensive suite of features. However, the Sequoia's older platform resulted in a four-star rating in the NHTSA's rollover test, with no further crash test ratings available.