2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its long-standing design, maintained a classic and mature aesthetic. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The SUV's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a somewhat dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place among modern SUVs. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, opting for a more modern, albeit awkward, exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall design lacked the SUV appeal that buyers sought. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and a range of features typical of a top-trim model. However, the interior design was reminiscent of 1990s styles, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels. The instrument cluster was a standout feature, with well-framed binnacles and a small digital display.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its hefty weight of around 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, available in Canada with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, generated 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided a decent driving experience, though power delivery required patience due to the turbocharged engine. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, with a well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel ponderous in various situations.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo area was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, front legroom was slightly less than the Subaru Crosstrek, and cargo space was respectable at 665 litres with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, affecting the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these issues, the Encore GX offered efficient small-item storage solutions and well-executed instrumentation.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system felt clunky compared to competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. Toyota updated the exterior lighting to LED and included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, and the 8-inch screen was well-integrated into the dashboard.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. A full complement of airbags and other safety features were standard.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in crash tests.