2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern SUV-focused lineup. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic prioritizing comfort over style. However, the Enclave marked a shift, with its 2018 redesign pushing it further upmarket. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh, featuring exterior enhancements like a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs, particularly in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave boasted upgraded materials, a restyled centre console, and climate-controlled seating, offering a premium feel that, while not quite reaching Cadillac levels, was a significant step up for Buick.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, presenting a more modern yet somewhat awkward exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with subtle design tweaks, but the overall look didn't quite capture the SUV essence. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats, but the interior was dominated by plastic elements, reminding occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard design harkened back to less appealing 1990s styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its clear, well-framed display.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all trims came standard with all-wheel drive, offering a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave was renowned for its quiet, smooth ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave's acceleration was surprisingly responsive, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. Buick's QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin experience, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the engine note was pleasant, power delivery required patience due to the turbocharger and transmission dynamics. The Encore GX offered a comfortable ride with active noise cancellation, but its driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll. The steering lacked responsiveness, making the Encore GX feel less agile than its competitors.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating for up to six adults. The cabin was spacious, with ample headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity. The Enclave's centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the vehicle offered significant cargo space, with up to 2,758 litres available when both rear rows were folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing the cargo area.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned closely together, compromising spaciousness. The Encore GX offered 665 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres when folded. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX featured clever small-item storage solutions, including large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and user-friendly controls.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a user-friendly interface. Safety features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was easy to use, with attractive graphics, though the screen size was modest. The Encore GX lacked rear USB ports, limiting connectivity for back-seat passengers.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Additional features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, were available as options. The Encore GX was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests.