2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the original Ioniq, by establishing itself as a standalone brand focused solely on electric vehicles. This new model showcased a futuristic design with its Parametric Pixel theme, reminiscent of retro gaming aesthetics. The exterior was a blend of minimalistic lines and intricate lighting details, creating a concept car-like appearance. Despite its bold design, the Ioniq 5's interior offered a contrastingly serene environment, emphasizing comfort and sustainability with its "Living Space" theme. The cabin featured eco-friendly materials and innovative seating options, such as the Relaxation mode for the driver's seat, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not draw from Buick's rich design history, opting instead for a more contemporary look that some might find lacking in distinctiveness. The Encore GX's rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in proportions that did not fully capture the SUV appeal. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with subtle design tweaks, but the changes were not immediately noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX offered a well-equipped interior with leather upholstery and modern conveniences, yet the design felt reminiscent of older automotive styles. The instrument cluster stood out with its clear layout, but the overall interior design lacked the innovation seen in the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 offered a range of powertrains and configurations, catering to different driving preferences. In Canada, it was available in two trims: Essential and Preferred, with options for long-range and all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 125-kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering 168 horsepower and a range of 354 kilometres. The Preferred long-range variant boasted a 168-kW motor, producing 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive range of 488 kilometres. The AWD version combined a dual-motor system, offering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, albeit with a reduced range of 414 kilometres. The Ioniq 5's performance was characterized by its smooth handling and quiet ride, with features like adjustable regenerative braking and Sport mode adding a touch of excitement.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. In Canada, AWD was standard, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, the power delivery was not as smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with slow steering and significant body roll detracting from the overall experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which maximized interior space and utility. Despite its hatchback appearance, the Ioniq 5 offered a spacious cabin with a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade. It provided a total interior volume of 3,786 litres, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The interior design focused on comfort and practicality, with features like a moveable centre console and flat floor enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were notably comfortable, offering support for various body types.

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, limiting the sense of spaciousness. The Encore GX offered 665 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,422 litres when folded. While the cabin featured ample small-item storage, the front seats lacked thigh support, impacting comfort. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and user-friendly controls, but the overall interior design did not match the innovation seen in the Ioniq 5.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 impressed with its advanced technology, featuring a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5's multimedia features included a redesigned Blue Link app, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system were elegantly designed and easy to read, even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While the Encore GX lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, it offered optional features like navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard technology included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus, although the screen size was smaller compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision avoidance. It also offered Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that adapted to the driver's habits. The Ioniq 5 was expected to earn high safety ratings, given Hyundai's track record with IIHS Top Safety awards.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Additional features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, were available as options. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, although it scored lower for child-seat anchor ease of use.