2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, with its redesigned exterior, presented a more spacious and refined look compared to its predecessor. It was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, each offering different trim levels such as base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury. The NX 350, in particular, stood out with its turbocharged engine and distinctive F Sport features like a unique mesh-pattern grille and sport-bolstered seats. The interior design leaned towards minimalism, with a significant reduction in buttons and knobs, although some drivers found the touchscreen controls less intuitive. Despite this, the NX maintained high-quality materials, though some elements like the turn signal felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not carry forward Buick's historical design flair, opting instead for a more modern but less distinctive look. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall design lacked the SUV appeal that many buyers sought. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard design was reminiscent of older automotive styles, with a notable instrument cluster being the only standout feature. Despite these design choices, the Encore GX provided good fit and finish, with minimal glare from shiny plastics.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada, delivered a dynamic driving experience. The NX 350 F Sport variant added adaptive variable sports suspension and additional driving modes, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds was credible, and its fuel consumption was observed at 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite its performance, the NX was not suited for off-road adventures due to limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, provided adequate performance, though power delivery was not always smooth. 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 impressive, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll. The Encore GX's performance was more about comfort than agility, making it suitable for relaxed driving rather than spirited handling.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered increased interior space, with a 14% boost in cargo capacity to 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The cabin was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space and conveniences like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Thoughtful touches like padded door panels and centre console sides added to the comfort, while ambient lighting themes provided a unique atmosphere.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. It offered 665 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded, surpassing some competitors. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and useful hard buttons, though a 360-degree camera view button was notably absent.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based services. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and over-the-air updates. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems allowed for natural voice commands, and a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect services was included. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which some users found inconvenient.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional features included built-in navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. While the 8-inch screen was smaller than some competitors, it fit well within the dashboard design. The interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2022 Lexus NX was equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System was tested and proved effective in bringing the vehicle to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Optional packages added features like adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and a panoramic view monitoring system.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional packages included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick. However, it scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use. The rearview camera mirror provided a clearer view, eliminating blind spots and improving visibility.