2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge adhered closely to traditional automotive design, making it an appealing choice for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. Its exterior closely resembled the gasoline version, with subtle differences like a solid panel grill and "Recharge" badging. The vehicle maintained Volvo's signature style with features like Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 showcased Scandinavian design with a spacious and airy cabin, harmoniously arranged elements, and premium finishes, reinforcing its status as a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's historical design legacy, presenting a modern yet unremarkable exterior. Its rounded surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions, lacking the SUV appeal that attracts buyers. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall design failed to stand out. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels lacked visual interest, though the instrument cluster was a notable feature.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge delivered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack powering dual electric motors, producing 402 horsepower and 486 lb-ft of torque. This setup enabled a swift 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The Recharge's regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving, enhancing energy efficiency and battery preservation. Its low centre of gravity and well-tuned suspension contributed to excellent handling and stability. The XC40 Recharge achieved a combined fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km and offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While acceleration felt stronger than expected, power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to maximize performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission sometimes struggled to find the right gear. 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 handling, with slow and lifeless steering. The Encore GX prioritized comfort over dynamic driving.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The front trunk provided additional storage space, while the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials. The front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were better suited for two passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo capacity with rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with tech features, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. Its infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on Android Automotive with built-in Google services. The system supported over-the-air updates, though the range display using percentage rather than distance was a drawback.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard connectivity options included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, though the screen size was modest.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and featured extensive safety equipment, including collision warning, blind-spot information, and lane keep assist. Its new sensor platform enhanced active safety features, and Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected vehicles.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Additional safety features were available through option packages, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022.