2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Buick Encore 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 on higher trims, though it wasn't quite premium. The controls were straightforward, but the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was redesigned with a cleaner, more minimalistic interior. The RX 350h Luxury model featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The exterior design of the RX models was not particularly striking, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a wheelbase stretch that made the SUV look smaller. However, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint job, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. The RX Hybrid models offered a more contemporary approach to textures and detailing, with backlit ambient lighting enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. While the engine was capable, it was a bit noisy and harsh. The Encore GX's ride was not as smooth as expected, and noise levels inside the cabin were higher than anticipated. Despite its SUV classification, the Encore GX was not designed for off-roading, and its handling was uninspiring.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, delivering 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to average 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and Direct4 AWD system. The RX 500h was more dynamic, with an adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering. However, its fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 11.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat knee room was tight, and fitting three adults in the back was unlikely. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but tight rear headroom. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, an improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. The tech package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services plans. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation, an Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the system had some drawbacks, such as limited screen menu views and reflections on the display. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with Teen Driver technology, a tire-fill alert system, and a range of driver-assistance features. It received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist and a new Traffic Jam Assist system. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations.