2023 Toyota Sequoia 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 shared Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, making them difficult to distinguish at a glance. However, the Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a more balanced appearance compared to the shorter Encore. 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 Toyota Sequoia was a bold and imposing three-row SUV, drawing design cues from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its redesigned exterior featured a traditional grille and front bumper, giving it a more SUV-like appearance. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, highlighted by leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a massive 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, and the Capstone's cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. Despite its upscale appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia's lineup included various trims, each offering unique features and capabilities, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with 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 powertrain provided adequate performance for everyday driving. While the engine was a bit buzzy, it offered sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. Handling was stable but uninspiring, and the vehicle was not designed for off-roading, sticking mainly to paved roads and light gravel paths.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, boasted a robust hybrid powertrain. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup produced an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved over its predecessor, achieving 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the ride quality varied depending on the mode, with Sport and Sport+ providing better control but potentially impacting fuel economy. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy and unresponsive at times.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and practical interior. The vehicle's design prioritized ease of use, with well-placed controls and excellent visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and expanded to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor, enhancing its versatility. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, especially for those with limited reach.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin. The range-topping Capstone trim featured soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, though they could be cumbersome for taller individuals. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked adjustability, impacting third-row space. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo capacity was limited, with only 325 litres available behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, reducing maximum cargo space compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a solid array of tech features for its price. It came standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also included OnStar telematics and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional features included a navigation system, HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The Convenience package added automatic parking assist, wireless phone charging, and rain-sensing wipers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant for navigation. However, the system had some quirks, such as issues with Bluetooth pairing and glare on the display. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's tech package effectively enhanced safety, with parking sensors and automatic rear braking proving useful in real-world scenarios.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with a range of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Teen Driver technology allowed owners to monitor driving habits and set limits. The Encore GX earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with five stars for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings in crash tests. However, headlight performance varied by trim, with the top Essence trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test results were not available at the time of review, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high safety ratings, suggested strong safety performance.