2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Dodge Durango

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 captivated many buyers. 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 occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. While fit and finish were commendable, the interior design felt reminiscent of uninspired 1990s aesthetics, with the exception of the well-framed instrument cluster.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the oversized grille trend and opting for clean, car-like styling. Its slim profile, forward-leaning headlights, and distinctive "racetrack" taillights gave it a unique presence. The SRT models added subtle yet distinctive features like a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango's interior, while not as distinctive as its exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials appropriate for each trim level. Higher trims like the Citadel and SRT Hellcat boasted luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango's design updates, including new colour options, kept it competitive despite its age.

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 acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, 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 in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T trim, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving impressive acceleration times. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, offering exhilarating acceleration. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat felt quick and engaging, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds. Its adaptive-damping suspension, performance tires, and Brembo brakes made managing its power easy.

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 closely together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance, though a button for the 360-degree camera view was missed.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with ample interior space comparable to other three-row midsize SUVs. While the Chevrolet Traverse offered more cargo space, the Durango provided 487 litres with all seats in place, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher trims. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM were standard, along with two front USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with appealing graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's lower trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance data, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. 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, with top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed IIHS crash test results, with top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included, but other features like adaptive cruise control were optional.