Crossover SUVs occupy one of the fastest-growing segments, and automakers are scrambling to produce new models. One of the latest crossovers is the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, a small SUV named for the world’s best-selling car, the Corolla. But the Toyota Corolla Cross faces stiff competition from subcompact rivals such as the 2022 Buick Encore GX. So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is the Buick worth $4,000 more than the Toyota?

Are premium features and materials worth the extra $4,000?

According to Autotrader, the 2022 Buick Encore GX starts at just under $27,000, while the Toyota Corolla Cross starts at just under $23,500. The Encore GX justifies the $4,000 difference because the premium brand provides more comfort and convenience features than the Toyota.

For example, though both models offer a good number of standard safety features, the Encore GX boasts better tech features. Additionally, though the Encore GX isn’t the most luxurious crossover, it provides a fair number of upscale features for the price. On the other hand, although the Corolla Cross is a comfortable crossover, it doesn’t offer much in the way of luxury.

Therefore, the $4,000 premium for the Buick Encore GX is worth it for buyers interested in those features. Let’s take a closer look at those feaures.

Buick Encore GX vs. Toyota Corolla Cross: Size and engines

However, one area where the Toyota Corolla Cross beats the Encore GX is size. In every body dimension, the Toyota is bigger than the Buick.

In addition to being physically larger, the Corolla Cross also has a bigger and more powerful engine. The Toyota packs a 2.0-liter inline-four harnessing 169 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable transmission for 32 mpg combined. But there’s only one engine option.

In comparison, the Encore GX offers a choice between two engines. However, both are smaller and weaker than the Corolla Cross power plant. The base-model Encore GX has a 1.2-liter turbocharged inline-three making 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Buick also offers a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-three producing 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Both pair with a CVT, but the standard engine gets only 30 mpg combined.

Toyota Corolla Cross vs. Buick Encore GX: Interiors and cargo space

Though the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has a larger body and a more powerful engine, its cabin isn’t necessarily roomier everywhere.

For example, Autotrader says the Corolla Cross has more rear headroom than the Encore GX, but the Buick has more rear legroom. That said, in terms of cargo, the Toyota handily beats the Buick. The Encore GX has a max cargo capacity of 50.2 cubic feet, while the Corolla Cross boasts 66.8 cubic feet with the rear row folded down.

But in terms of comfort, the Buick is the clearer winner. The Corolla Cross starts with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display as standard, with the option to upgrade to an 8.0-inch touchscreen. On the other hand, the Encore GX has an 8.0-inch touchscreen display as standard equipment.

In addition, the materials Buick used in the cabin are much higher-quality than those in the Corolla Cross. The Toyota comes with cloth upholstery as standard, while the Encore GX provides a mixture of cloth and synthetic leather upholstery as standard. The Encore GX also comes with an active noise cancellation system, while the Corolla Cross does not.