2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from the past without forging a new path, resulting in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal. The optional Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements like unique bumpers and a black mesh grille, but these 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 entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its uninspired dashboard and door panels, harkened back to less appealing aspects of 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale appearance. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling elements, with the Activ featuring a rugged look and the RS adopting a sportier aesthetic. The contrasting roof options added a distinctive touch, although not unique to Chevy. Inside, the Trailblazer Activ model combined leatherette upholstery with a mix of copper-toned and sparkly black plastic trim, giving the cabin a bit of personality. While it didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard made it distinctive.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came standard 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 all-wheel drive. The acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient approach to throttle applications. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the driving experience was marred by slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel ponderous and awkward.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform and powertrains with the Encore GX, offering a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-litre engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer Activ test car, equipped with the 1.3-litre engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, provided a more pleasant driving experience than the Buick. The throttle was more responsive, and the vehicle felt composed and nimble despite some body roll. The Trailblazer's selectable AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems, and the drive modes offered little noticeable difference.

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. The Encore GX's cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded was respectable, though not class-leading. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite being one of the smallest SUVs, offered decent utility. It matched the Kia Seltos in headroom and provided more rear legroom than the Encore GX. The Trailblazer's cargo space of 716 litres with the seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded was competitive, though slightly less than the Seltos. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips but not ideal for long journeys. The Trailblazer's interior included smart storage solutions, though the small dashboard carve-out's purpose was unclear.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM were standard, but rear-seat USB ports were absent. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and logical menus, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Bose audio system, and rear-seat USB ports were optional. While the Trailblazer's tech offerings might not satisfy the most tech-savvy buyers, the infotainment system was easy to use, with large graphics and intuitive menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges effectively conveyed information.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. 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 NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered similar standard safety features, with optional blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It was named a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and high marks for front-crash prevention tech. The Trailblazer also received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.