2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style 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 appeal 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 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the blocky aesthetics of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh introduced a more traditional front end, enhancing its appeal with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford logo prominently displayed. The Escape, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, exuded an upscale vibe with 19-inch wheels and body-colour accents. Inside, the Escape impressed with diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard. The seats were comfortable for long drives, and the 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat allowed for easy customization. Despite the abundance of plastic, the interior maintained a certain level of sophistication, with a textured centre console and well-weighted steering inputs that avoided the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came equipped 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 the engine delivered a pleasant note, its 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 Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered more powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The latter, available on higher trims, provided better acceleration and high-speed performance. However, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and an eight-speed automatic transmission lacking performance tuning. The brakes were predictable, and the steering was well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver without twitchiness.

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 665 litres with the rear seats up 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 made efficient use of space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics, though it fell short in cargo space compared to segment leaders. It offered 1,061 litres of storage behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded. Passenger space was adequate, with impressive headroom in the back, but rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors. The front-seat backs were padded and scalloped to maximize space for taller passengers.

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. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 system, offering an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between features like Android Auto and the native navigation system. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and the system included a static "Home" button for easy access. While Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, its overall feature set and layout were commendable. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional 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 and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, though it scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Ford Escape also earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in most crash tests. However, it received a "Marginal" score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. Standard safety features included in Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite were forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology, enhancing the Escape's safety offerings.