2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that has drawn many buyers to this segment. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, felt reminiscent of less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S presented a more refined and luxurious appearance, though it wasn't without its quirks. The Type S badge, a first for Acura SUVs, was subtly integrated, maintaining a sophisticated look with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. The interior boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, creating an upscale environment. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard complicated control usage, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S offered a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV experience, though some angles of the body design gave an impression of a dented side.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite its modest specs, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than expected, though power delivery was not always smooth due to the turbocharger and transmission dynamics. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, making it feel awkward in various situations.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. Despite the impressive power figures, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance experience. The transmission was indecisive, and the ride lacked compliance, with squealing tires and poor brake pedal modulation detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the MDX Type S consuming more fuel than expected, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing. The performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, making the standard MDX a more predictable and enjoyable choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos provided more rear legroom and cargo space. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these issues, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2023 Acura MDX excelled in functionality, offering three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating available in Canada, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with limited room for small items. The cargo area was well-designed, with a sizable underfloor storage bin and hooks for securing items. The hands-free liftgate with Walk Away Close function added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and an intuitive interface. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. While the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, it was well-integrated into the dashboard design.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. While the TTI was designed to improve driver interaction, it added complexity and reduced storage space. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In for voice commands. The top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, and the Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages included a 10.5-inch head-up display for added convenience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability. The MDX also included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star protection ratings for the driver and front passenger in the frontal-impact test.