2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented a sophisticated yet subtle design, especially in its Type S Ultra trim. This model featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights that had automatic high-beam operation. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, aimed to set a high bar for luxury and driving dynamism. However, some design elements, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made it challenging to use certain controls. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MDX Type S was fundamentally an attractive luxury SUV, though its body design sometimes gave the illusion of a dented side.

In contrast, the 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the Wildcat concept, boasted a refreshed and striking appearance. The new face featured sleek daytime running lights above the grille, with angular LED headlamps flanking it. The Avenir trim added a unique grille and chrome accents, enhancing its handsome look. The Encore GX offered a vibrant palette of colours, including options like Copper Ice Metallic, and even allowed for a black roof and mirrors on the Sport Touring trim. The interior saw significant changes with a new 19-inch glass panel for the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a premium feel despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a notable increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more, which affected its performance. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of the engine's output to a single rear wheel. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the vehicle averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of official ratings.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine in Canada, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing adequate responsiveness, though acceleration to 100 km/h took about nine seconds. The Encore GX excelled as a city car with a smooth suspension, but highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The selectable AWD system allowed for some fuel savings, though competitors offered more seamless AWD engagement. Overall, the Encore GX provided a staid performance, suitable for urban environments.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a spacious interior with three rows of seats and a versatile cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during spirited driving. The second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row and up to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, being a subcompact SUV, offered less utility but was competitive within its class. It provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. A seven-speaker Bose audio system and a moonroof were available options, enhancing the interior experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). While innovative, the TTI was less intuitive than traditional touchscreens, and its design limited storage space on the centre console. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, though the native voice recognition system was less effective. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered impressive sound quality, and a 10.5-inch head-up display provided essential driving information.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, the screen had unused space, giving a sense of malfunction. The Encore GX supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB ports and a wireless charging pad available. A rear camera mirror offered a wider view of the rear, and the infotainment system was straightforward, focusing on essential features like smartphone mirroring and climate control.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received high safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the vehicle experienced a false collision warning during testing, which was concerning.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with the Driver Confidence package, offering lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique features included Teen Driver, which monitored young drivers' habits, and Buckle to Drive, preventing the vehicle from shifting out of park without the driver's seatbelt fastened. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the IIHS.