2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that lacked the brand's traditional flair. 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 occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels, reminiscent of 1990s design, lacked interest, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its elegant exterior, featuring quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. The midsize SUV's stately presence was enhanced by 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The rear echoed the quad-lamp design, and the matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of elegance. Inside, the GV80 continued the theme with quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin air vents, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The spacious and luxurious interior was slightly marred by the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash.

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. Despite its modest specs, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than expected, though power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. 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, with slow and lifeless steering.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our tester featured the V6, which, while not particularly quick, excelled at highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene highway experience. However, the GV80's handling was less impressive, feeling sloppy compared to its German rivals, though it managed turns adequately.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded, though the Seltos surpassed it. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick made efficient use of space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance, though a 360-degree camera button was missed.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel were complemented by ventilated rear seats and an Ergo driver's seat in our tester. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was available, though with limited legroom. Genesis puddle lamps and a proximity key added convenience, while a tri-zone climate control system and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with seats folded, plus a towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms.

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 an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio provided connectivity, though rear passengers lacked USB ports. The infotainment system, with its familiar GM interface, was easy to use, and the 8-inch screen size was adequate given the dashboard's design constraints.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, though the 3D effects felt gimmicky. A standard head-up display projected information into the driver's view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control, while tactile, was cumbersome. Handwriting detection on the dial was useful, but the menu structure had a steep learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were present but not wireless. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, 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, though child-seat anchor ease of use was rated "Average."

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash prevention ratings.