2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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 drawn many buyers to this segment. 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. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard, harkened back to less appealing aspects of 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco embraced its retro-cool styling across nine distinct trims, from the basic, bare-bones Base model to the top-tier Raptor with its wide stance and massive tires. The Bronco's blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic touches like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery, while the Bronco's rugged theme extended to its interior with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The Bronco's interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with features like drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl upholstery enhancing its off-road readiness. Despite some creaking over bumps, the Bronco remained quieter than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart.

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. While the engine's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the turbocharged engine. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, with slow and lifeless steering detracting from its overall performance.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 boasted 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos featured a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was more than adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was exhilarating, albeit excessive. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with a quieter interior. Despite its high-riding dimensions, the Bronco felt confident on curving roads, aided by cameras for easier maneuvering.

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, 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 displays, though a 360-degree camera button was notably absent.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape translated into generous interior space, especially in the four-door model, which offered easier rear seat access. Up front, the Bronco provided ample storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco offered 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door model provided 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the easily removable fenders and doors, enhancing the Bronco's versatility.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 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 radio. The infotainment system, shared with other GM vehicles, was user-friendly with appealing graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road prowess, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing settings for various terrains. Camera views provided crucial visibility in tight spots, while Trail Turn Assist allowed sharp turns by braking the inside rear wheel. The Bronco also offered standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford’s SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect. Most models featured an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for improved usability.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional safety 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, with top crash test ratings but an average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's safety ratings were mixed, with NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. IIHS gave the four-door Bronco "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the Bronco's safety features functioned well, it lagged behind more conventional SUVs in terms of standard offerings.