2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling that did not echo the brand's past glories. 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 included subtle enhancements like a black mesh grille and 18-inch wheels, the Encore GX's design changes were barely noticeable. 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 Lincoln Aviator exuded a sense of luxury and modernity. The Aviator's design was a successful execution of Lincoln's contemporary styling, with a distinctive face and grille. However, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered too plain, detracting from its overall premium appearance. The Aviator's interior was undeniably upscale, featuring a mix of patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and high-end materials like soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. Despite some chrome detailing appearing cheap, the Aviator's cabin was a visual feast, albeit one that might overwhelm those preferring minimalist aesthetics. The Aviator's design was further enhanced by thoughtful touches like the Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and soft-close doors, adding to its luxurious feel.

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. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving approach. The ride quality was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations. The steering was slow and lifeless, and the suspension allowed for significant body roll, detracting from the driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, boasted impressive power figures with 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator's drivetrain was powerful but sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent acceleration and braking behaviour. The available Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, but the Aviator was not particularly engaging to drive. Its heavy and numb steering, combined with a focus on comfort and isolation, made it more suited for relaxed highway cruising than spirited driving.

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 behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, limiting 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 instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort, featuring a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third row was cramped and lacked leg support. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 519 litres, expanding to 1,183 litres with the seats folded. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,200 litres. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, but the third row was not suitable for adults, making it more practical to keep it folded for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker 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, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was loaded with technology, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on Lincoln's older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key system. Digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display were standard, along with rain-sensing and heated wipers. The Aviator's parking sensors and surround-view camera system were useful, though the Active Park Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional safety 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, with top ratings in crash tests.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Aviator's safety tech performed well, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.