2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a standard 20-inch design. The front end was restyled, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced its elegance. Despite this, the Navigator's updates were generally successful, with the interior continuing to impress with quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a unique touch, resembling a twilight sky. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display also enhanced the Navigator's tech appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX's design did not reflect Buick's historical design excellence. The rounded exterior and tall stance gave it awkward proportions, lacking the SUV appeal that attracts buyers. The optional Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were barely noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the plastic interior elements reminded us of its lower position in Buick's lineup. The fit and finish were good, but the design felt dated, reminiscent of 1990s automotive interiors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The Navigator's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview technology and a new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions well, including snow and mud, thanks to its 4WD, 9.7 inches of ground clearance, and adaptive suspension. It achieved an average fuel economy of 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 1.3-liter engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car provided decent acceleration but required patience for smooth power delivery. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's interior featured exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seat provided roomy accommodations, and the Navigator's independent rear suspension design ensured comfort. The Navigator L variant offered even more cargo space, with up to 120.2 cubic feet of maximum volume.

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 placed close together, reducing the feeling of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, but the lack of a 360-degree camera view button was a drawback.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator upgraded to a Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a user-friendly interface and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The system featured voice recognition, though it had some limitations. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included built-in navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus, though the screen size was relatively small.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.