2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

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, was reminiscent of less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some competitors, maintained an attractive crossover appearance with a restrained bodywork and a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The gold Bowtie emblem varied in appeal depending on the paint colour, with some combinations like Blue Glow Metallic being more favourable. The Equinox was available in four trims, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada. Its design shared elements with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, and the Equinox's profile, with big windows and a thick C-pillar, suggested spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats, though the interior felt somewhat dated compared to rivals. Despite this, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage space. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like ventilated front seats and an HD surround-view camera, enhancing the overall experience.

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 AWD. The engine delivered a stronger performance than its specs suggested, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. 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, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which held gears longer, contributing to a noisy powertrain. AWD was available but required manual activation. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. Its suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, it lacked front legroom compared to the Subaru Crosstrek and rear-seat space compared to the Kia Seltos. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, the Encore GX had ample small-item storage, including large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, surpassing the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester, but fell short of competitors when the rear seats were folded, providing 1,809 litres. Passenger space was ample, with good head- and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver. The interior used higher-quality plastic than older GM models, with plenty of storage options. The Premier trim featured a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was smaller than some competitors.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the LS, LT, and RS trims, and an 8-inch screen on the Premier. While not as flashy as some rivals, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and all trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The upgraded driver-information display provided useful features, and a Bose audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. 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 the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on all trims except Premier. The Equinox received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a "Poor" rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a "Marginal" score in the side-impact test.