2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

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, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The controls were straightforward, although some found the rotary toggles a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed the traditional minivan image with a design inspired by Japanese bullet trains. It offered a variety of trims, including the new 25th Anniversary Special Edition. The Sienna's interior was spacious and functional, with high-quality materials and clever storage solutions. The Platinum trim, although not available in Canada, featured luxurious brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna could seat seven or eight passengers, with the middle row supporting three car seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were particularly versatile, offering ample legroom for third-row passengers.

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, the engine was surprisingly capable, though a bit noisy. The Encore GX's ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration despite Buick's QuietTuning technology. While it handled well, the driving dynamics were uninspiring, and it was not suited for off-roading.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors, producing a combined 245 horsepower. While the power output was modest for its size, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering a nimble and enjoyable driving experience. The Sienna's light steering was ideal for city driving, and it offered multiple drive modes, though the EV mode was largely ineffective. Despite its size, the Sienna was easy to maneuver and comfortable on the highway.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, though compact, provided a comfortable experience with ample front-seat headroom and legroom. Rear-seat space was limited, and fitting three adults was challenging. The cargo area offered 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The two-level cargo floor and optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. It featured a large cubby below the centre console, a long dash shelf, and numerous cupholders. The Sienna's cargo space was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row and 2,129 litres with it folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, though the middle row couldn't be removed or stowed. The second-row captain’s chairs were highly functional, offering comfort and flexibility for passengers of all sizes.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a decent tech package with an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package. The tech package added a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and more. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, however, used an older infotainment interface with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The system was reliable but felt outdated and clunky. The 9-inch touchscreen was adequate, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system sounded good. Despite its quirks, the Sienna's technology was functional, with physical buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for crash prevention. However, headlight ratings varied by trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It received five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors offered additional features, the Sienna's safety package was comprehensive and reliable.