2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo its past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that many buyers sought. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like a black mesh grille and two-tone wheels, 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 entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard, harkened back to less appealing 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai's largest SUV, boasted a commanding presence with its updated styling. The new front fascia and squared-off grille gave it a stronger look, complemented by standard LED lighting features. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added premium touches like a unique grille and 20-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The interior of the Palisade was both attractive and functional, with features like a dual-pane sunroof and premium Nappa leather in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. The spacious cabin offered ample legroom across all three rows, and the second-row captain's chairs with wing-out headrests provided added comfort. The Palisade's design and materials reflected a premium feel, making it a standout in its class.

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 required patience due to the turbocharger and transmission dynamics. 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.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, offered a robust 3.8-litre V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its power output was competitive within its class, and the standard all-wheel drive system proved capable during off-road tests. The Palisade's ride quality was comfortable, and it boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. Fuel economy figures were reasonable for its size, making it a practical choice for families seeking both power and efficiency.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, it fell short in cargo capacity compared to the Kia Seltos, offering 665 litres with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned closely together, impacting the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these limitations, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, comfortably seating seven or eight passengers. It offered generous legroom across all rows, surpassing competitors like the Toyota Highlander. The Palisade's cargo capacity was impressive, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,297 litres behind the second, and 2,447 litres with all but the front seats folded. The hands-free smart liftgate and thoughtful storage solutions, including cupholders for every passenger, added to its practicality. The Palisade's interior layout was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, it offered optional features like navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade raised the bar with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system in higher trims. The Palisade supported multiple Bluetooth connections and provided ample USB charging options across all rows. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a wireless charger and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's Bluelink system offered remote accessibility features, enhancing convenience for drivers.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came equipped with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, were available through option packages. The Encore GX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and featured Hyundai's Smart Sense suite of safety technologies. Standard features included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Palisade also offered advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a full-display digital rearview mirror in higher trims. The Safe Exit Warning and rear seat occupant alert added an extra layer of safety for families.