2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

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 many buyers sought. 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 drivers 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 Honda CR-V adopted a cleaner and slightly more aggressive look with its blunt nose, long hood, and stretched wheelbase. While it lacked the personality of its predecessor, the conservative styling was expected to age gracefully. The CR-V EX-L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and dark-tinted rear privacy glass, with an interior that exuded quality and simplicity. The dashboard, inspired by the latest Civic, incorporated metal mesh trim and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The CR-V's interior was spacious, with comfortable leather-wrapped seats and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. The EX-L trim also included features like an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power rear liftgate, enhancing its appeal.

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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to extract its full potential. 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 and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Honda CR-V retained its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the CR-V offered a dynamic driving experience, with refined suspension, steering, and brakes. The CVT, however, was noticeable during hard acceleration, detracting from the otherwise satisfying ride. The CR-V excelled in handling, quelling unwanted body motion and absorbing road imperfections. It achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 8.1 L/100 km on a mountainous route, according to Natural Resources Canada.

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 with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres when 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. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2023 Honda CR-V claimed to be the roomiest yet, though the driver's seat felt more car-like than SUV-like. The second row was more spacious, offering a high seating position and ample legroom. Taller passengers might find headroom limited, but adjustable seatback recline positions mitigated this issue. The CR-V excelled in storage, with a large centre armrest bin and various storage trays. The cargo area offered 1,113 litres of space, expandable to 2,166 litres with the rear seats folded. The Hybrid model had slightly reduced cargo capacity.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the screen size was modest.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a 7-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX-L trim added a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. While the top-tier Touring Hybrid offered a Bose premium sound system and navigation, the EX-L's technology was sufficient for most needs. The infotainment system was an improvement over the previous generation, though some competitors offered more features at a similar price.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included 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, though child-seat anchor ease of use was rated "Average."

The 2023 Honda CR-V improved its driver assist systems under the Honda Sensing umbrella, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. New features included a seatbelt reminder system and traffic sign recognition. The CR-V's safety systems were enhanced with new camera and radar units, though lane-centring assist could be improved. The CR-V was built to Honda's ACE body structure standards and was expected to excel in crash protection. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.