2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

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 many buyers sought. Even with the optional 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, lacked the creativity seen in other vehicles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a commanding presence, nearly two metres tall and requiring significant space to park. Its design cleverly masked its size with thin LED lights and darkened chrome elements in the Sport Platinum trim, giving it an athletic appearance. The Escalade's interior was a testament to luxury, with a 38-inch curved screen array and exquisite wood inlays. While the front row exuded opulence, the second and third rows fell short, borrowing elements from less expensive GM models. Despite its shortcomings, the Escalade's interior was a reminder of Cadillac's commitment to luxury, though it left room for improvement in providing equal luxury throughout the cabin.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came 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. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to extract its full potential. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel cumbersome in various situations.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. Despite its power, the Escalade felt heavy during acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, even in Sport mode, seemed reluctant to unleash its full potential. The Escalade-V variant addressed this with a supercharged V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it felt excessive. An optional 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6 provided smoother torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was basic, requiring manual engagement for low-traction surfaces. However, its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced its manoeuvrability, though wind noise at highway speeds detracted from its luxury feel.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Its cargo capacity of 665 litres with rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded was respectable, though not class-leading. The front seats were positioned closely, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. However, Buick made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view was missed.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted an exceptionally spacious interior, with 722 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,426 litres with both rows down. Its independent rear suspension allowed for generous passenger space, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were intuitive, with a smart touchscreen interface and multiple gauge layouts. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading. However, the second-row seats lacked power adjustment, a feature available for the third row.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, head-up display, and Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM. The interface was user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade set a high bar with its expansive OLED screens, offering sharp visuals and a front camera feed with navigation overlays. Standard tech included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot. Super Cruise, an advanced hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, offering superior functionality compared to competitors. The Escalade also featured night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. It received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022, though child-seat anchor ease of use was rated lower.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four stars from NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former occasionally triggered false alarms.