2023 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling 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 high-riding SUV appeal. 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 interior's plastic elements reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels lacked visual interest, reminiscent of uninspired 1990s designs, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased fresh styling updates, including new front and rear designs, updated lighting, and new wheel designs. The X-Line featured a unique grille and raised suspension, while the X-Pro added all-terrain tires and exclusive wheels, enhancing its off-road appearance. Inside, the Telluride boasted a modernized interior with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, both housed under a sleek 24-inch glass panel. The interior updates, though subtle, included new colours and a more functional centre console, with trim names embossed on the front seatbacks. The Telluride's design updates successfully combined style with functionality, offering a more contemporary and appealing package.

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. Despite its modest power figures, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than expected, though power delivery was not always smooth due to the turbocharged engine and transmission dynamics. The ride quality was a highlight, with a well-damped suspension that absorbed road imperfections, and the Quiet Tuning package with active noise cancellation enhanced the cabin's serenity. However, the Encore GX's driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, with slow and lifeless steering detracting from its overall performance.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting for improved traction. The Telluride's V6 provided ample power, and during testing, it achieved an average fuel consumption of 9.8 L/100 km in the X-Line and 11.5 L/100 km in the X-Pro, the latter including off-road driving. The Telluride's raised suspension and improved off-road capabilities, including a Downhill Brake Control system, enhanced its versatility. On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth and quiet ride, with the all-terrain tires slightly affecting handling in turns. Overall, the Telluride's performance was impressive, offering a balance of power, efficiency, and off-road capability.

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. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded, surpassing the Kona and CX-30. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX featured ample small-item storage, including large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view was absent.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride's interior was spacious, with comfortable seating and a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row offered manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets, while a button facilitated access to the third row, which was more comfortable than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was generous, with 601 litres behind the third row, 1,304 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,455 litres with both rear rows down. A smart power tailgate with proximity-sensing and an automatic closing function added convenience.

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 satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus, though the screen size was modest by current standards. The Encore GX's tech offerings were solid, though not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, navigation, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though climate control adjustments required manual input. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported dual-device pairing. The Telluride featured six USB ports, Driver Talk and Quiet Mode systems, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror added convenience, while an optional head-up display provided additional driving information. The Telluride's tech suite was comprehensive and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. 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 Kia Telluride boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with navigation-based speed adjustment. The Telluride also offered Highway Drive Assist, Advanced Highway Drive Assist, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The IIHS rated the Telluride as a Top Safety Pick+, its highest rating, though NHTSA crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.