2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling that did not 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 optional Sport Touring Package, which included 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, evoked memories of less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited, especially with the S Appearance Package, offered a more cohesive and practical design. The exterior featured body-coloured elements and black accents, complemented by 18-inch wheels. The split grille and LED lighting added a modern touch, while the minivan's practicality shone through with its sliding doors and ample cargo space. Inside, the Limited trim's dark interior was offset by handsome Nappa leather seats and a sophisticated dash design. The controls, though sometimes confusingly close to the transmission selector, were chunky and user-friendly. The Pacifica Hybrid's interior was designed with family in mind, offering comfort and practicality, though taller passengers might find the second-row seats a bit low.

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. 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 less agile than its competitors.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid combined a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a 16-kWh battery and two electric motors, offering 260 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was the only minivan available as a plug-in hybrid, boasting an official all-electric range of 51 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. In practice, the Pacifica Hybrid exceeded these figures, achieving 53 km of electric range and 885 km total. Charging was efficient, with a Level 2 charger replenishing the battery in just two hours. However, the Pacifica's default to all-electric mode first was less efficient for highway driving, and the lack of all-wheel drive and towing capabilities limited its versatility. Despite these drawbacks, the Pacifica Hybrid offered a smooth driving experience with its CVT and handled better than expected due to its low centre of gravity.

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 behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view was missing.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in family-friendly features, with the available FamCam interior camera allowing parents to monitor rear passengers. The interior offered heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a comfortable driver's seat. The second-row seats, though comfortable, were low, and taller passengers might find the third row more accommodating in competitors like the Honda Odyssey. The Pacifica Hybrid's cargo space was generous, with 914 litres behind the third row and up to 3,978 litres with all seats folded, though it fell short of the Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey. The absence of Stow 'n Go seats in the hybrid model reduced its versatility, and features like the built-in vacuum cleaner were not available.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards. The lack of rear USB ports was a notable omission.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, praised for its ease of use and crisp graphics. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ability to connect two phones via Bluetooth. Our tester included the optional rear seat entertainment system, though its value was questionable given the prevalence of personal devices. The Pacifica Hybrid offered numerous charging options, including USB ports, 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging, ensuring devices remained powered throughout the journey.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top crash test ratings but an average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning system was particularly effective, providing clear alerts. However, features like parallel parking assist required additional packages. The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and Good marks from the IIHS, though it had some lower scores for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.