2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-colour moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery in higher trims, though it wasn't quite premium. The controls were straightforward, and the available heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusive paint options like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium badge. The GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, but its design was more about function than form.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this engine was surprisingly capable, though it exhibited some harshness typical of small three-cylinder engines. The Encore GX's driving dynamics were uninspiring, with a noisier cabin than expected from a Buick. Despite its SUV label, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was best suited for urban environments.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a robust 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was impressive, though its fuel economy was less so, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable roll through corners, and its driving dynamics were enhanced by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a 4WD system, making it adept at handling off-road conditions.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable and user-friendly experience. Ingress and egress were easy, and the controls were clearly marked. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded, with a two-level cargo floor for added convenience. The optional hands-free power liftgate was a practical feature for ease of use.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The second row offered good legroom and headroom, though the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The side-hinged trunk door required some effort to open, and the overall cargo capacity was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available tech package included navigation, advanced voice recognition, and a head-up display. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional, while a Driver Confidence package was standard.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over its predecessor, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain select system. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. The top Essence trim received an "Acceptable" rating for its LED headlights, while other trims were rated "Marginal."

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date, providing peace of mind for drivers.