2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that neither embraced retro cues nor ventured into new territory. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that has drawn many buyers to this segment. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's appearance remained understated. Inside, the top-trim Essence model 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 evoked a 1990s design aesthetic, with the instrument cluster being the only standout feature.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to shed its minivan image with a design that echoed a Japanese bullet train. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the sporty XSE and luxurious Limited, with the 25th Anniversary Special Edition adding a touch of exclusivity. The Sienna's interior was a highlight, with high-quality materials and clever storage solutions. The Platinum trim, although not available in Canada, featured beautiful brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents. The Sienna accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the middle row supporting three car seats. The second-row captain's chairs, available with extending ottomans, provided comfort and flexibility, making the Sienna a practical choice for families.

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. All-wheel drive was standard, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient approach to throttle applications. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll. The steering was slow and lifeless, detracting from the overall driving dynamics.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two front-mounted electric motors, delivering a combined 245 horsepower. While the power output seemed modest for the Sienna's size, the chassis and steering impressed with nimbleness and ease of handling. The Sienna's light steering made city driving a breeze, and it cruised comfortably on the highway. Despite the lackluster acceleration, the Sienna offered a genuinely fun driving experience for a minivan. The available drive modes, including EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport, provided some flexibility, though Normal mode was recommended for the best balance.

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 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 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions. With a length of 5,175 millimetres and a 3,061-millimetre wheelbase, the Sienna offered ample room for passengers and cargo. The minivan's platform allowed for 949 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,129 litres with the seats folded. Total cargo space reached 2,860 litres, though the middle row couldn't be removed or folded into the floor. The second-row captain's chairs were functional and comfortable, with extending ottomans and sliding tracks for flexibility. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats available on higher trims.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While a fully digital instrument cluster wasn't available, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with 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 an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The interface was easy to navigate, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sienna relied on an older infotainment interface, lacking the latest tech seen in other Toyota models. Core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were present, but the interface felt dated and clunky. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection, and accessing Android Auto was cumbersome. Despite these quirks, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen that didn't feel undersized. The 12-speaker JBL premium audio system delivered good sound quality, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system were available as options. The Encore GX received top "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features were part of the Toyota Safety Sense package, enhancing the Sienna's family-friendly appeal. The Sienna earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. While competitors like Honda and Chrysler also received high safety ratings, Toyota focused on essential safety features without gimmicks, ensuring a secure driving experience.