2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from the past without forging a new path, resulting in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal. The optional Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were barely noticeable unless compared side-by-side with 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 The fit and finish were commendable, yet the design lacked excitement, with a dashboard reminiscent of outdated 1990s aesthetics. The instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display, but overall, the interior design was uninspired.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Rogue presented a more appealing design with proper proportions and chiseled styling that conveyed a rugged sense of purpose. The Rogue's lineup included various trims, with the Platinum trim offering upscale features like diamond-pattern leather seats and a host of premium amenities. The interior was well-appointed, with soft-touch materials and quality controls. However, the Rogue's remote keyless entry fob was criticized for its low-contrast design, making it difficult to use in low-light conditions. Despite this, the Rogue's overall design and interior comfort made it a strong contender in the compact SUV 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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system was standard, providing a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX's driving experience was marred by slow and lifeless steering, significant body roll, and a ponderous feel. The engine's power delivery required patience, and the manual shifting option was not user-friendly. Despite its above-average ride quality and noise reduction, the Encore GX felt awkward in most driving situations.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The CVT with paddle shifters provided a responsive driving experience in urban settings, though it lacked passing power on the highway. The Rogue's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 8.1 L/100 km. The SUV's ride quality was enhanced by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the steering felt lifeless. Despite some body motion on undulating roads, the Rogue maintained a secure handling character, offering a good balance of ride compliance and body control.

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, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these issues, the Encore GX made efficient use of available 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 Nissan Rogue excelled as a family car replacement, offering ample space for four passengers and the option to carry a fifth. The Platinum trim featured premium amenities like a triple-zone climate control system and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats, with Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were comfortable, though the rear seats lacked leg support and comfort. The Rogue's rear doors opened wide, facilitating easy access, and the cargo area offered up to 1,028 litres of space with the moonroof installed. The Divide-N-Hide feature allowed for versatile cargo configurations, and underfloor storage areas added practicality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While a fully digital instrument cluster was not available, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, offering easy navigation and aesthetically pleasing graphics.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue, however, used an older infotainment system with an 8-inch or optional 9-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle featured the larger screen, Bluetooth, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and a navigation system with a door-to-door function. The voice recognition technology was limited, struggling with specific requests. The Rogue also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a head-up display, both of which performed well. Despite the outdated system, the Rogue's infotainment offered a comprehensive set of features.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, were available through option packages. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it scored lower for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Nissan Rogue boasted an extensive array of safety features, including 10 airbags, Safety Shield 360, and ProPilot Assist with Navi-link. The Rogue's safety systems provided comprehensive coverage, with features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The SUV earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received lower scores in specific crash tests.