2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not carry forward the brand's historical design flair, such as the iconic portholes. Instead, it presented a modern yet unremarkable exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance that seemed awkward rather than SUV-like. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like a black mesh grille and 18-inch wheels, the Encore GX struggled to stand out. Inside, the top-trim Essence model offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior design was reminiscent of outdated 1990s styles, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels. The instrument cluster, however, was a highlight, with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its utilitarian design, resembling its predecessors with a boxy shape and functional aesthetics. The Premier trim, with its satin chrome exterior trim and 18-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually appealing. The Forester's interior was practical, featuring brown leather and metallic accents, with a focus on functionality over style. The cabin was easy to clean, and the control layout was user-friendly, relying on traditional buttons and knobs. Despite its busy appearance, the Forester's design prioritized practicality, making it a reliable choice for those seeking substance over style.

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 and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to extract performance. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for improved responsiveness, and its X-Mode off-road traction control system included Deep Snow and Mud settings. The Forester excelled in challenging weather conditions, inspiring confidence with its excellent driving dynamics, light and accurate steering, and effective brakes. While the engine was merely adequate, the Forester's handling and ride quality were commendable, making it a capable and reliable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. The Encore GX provided 665 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded, which was respectable for its segment. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, though a 360-degree camera view button was notably absent.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and spacious interior. The Touring trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Higher trims offered more luxurious options, such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester excelled in outward visibility, with tall glass and thin pillars providing excellent spatial awareness. The cargo area was usefully shaped, offering 762 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,957 litres with them folded. Interior storage was plentiful, with well-sealed doors and thoughtful design for stashing items.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and a well-designed interface, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. The Forester's older Starlink system was preferred for its physical controls and user-friendly interface, though the voice-recognition system was lacking. The absence of a wireless smartphone charger was notable, but the overall setup was simple and appealing.

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 Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top ratings in crash tests.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced a next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras, offering adaptive cruise control and Automatic Emergency Steering. Higher trims included Rear Automatic Braking and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with an Acceptable rating in side-impact protection and a Marginal rating in small-overlap frontal-impact tests. It earned five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with a four-star rollover resistance rating.