2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE 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 aesthetic that has become popular. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's design remained unremarkable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior's plastic components reminded us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels evoked a dated 1990s design, with the instrument cluster being the only standout feature.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The new Mercedes star logos on the grille and changes to the headlights and taillights were minor but added a touch of elegance. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic with 21-inch AMG wheels, looked particularly striking. Inside, the GLE exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour and trim options, ensuring a high-quality cabin experience. The GLE's interior was one of the most robust and luxurious in its segment.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came 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, power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of it. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 450e with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds, providing swift performance. Its fuel economy was impressive, with an estimated 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 140 km/h. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections with ease. Despite its size, the GLE felt maneuverable and easy to handle.

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. 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, reducing the sense of 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 centre-console tray. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with generous headroom and legroom. The cabin felt light and airy, aided by the light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, comparing favourably to competitors like the BMW X5. While the GLE could be configured with a third row, it was only suitable for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. The test vehicle also included advanced features like a Burmester audio system, massaging front seats, and soft-close doors.

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, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was easy to use, with clear graphics, and the 8-inch screen size was adequate for the dashboard design.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and infotainment system. The MBUX system was feature-rich, with a learning curve, but offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. The optional head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated, causing minor inconveniences.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top ratings in crash tests.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's safety systems were unobtrusive and effective. The current generation of GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2022, though crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.