2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that many buyers sought. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard, harkened back to less appealing aspects of 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased how far Volvo had come from its boxy past. The XC90's design was purposeful yet understated, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in older models. The XC90's dimensions leaned towards rectilinear, but it was far from the toaster-like designs of yesteryear. The Ultimate trim test vehicle featured 21-inch wheels that added drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather steering, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather seats. The minimalist design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than its specs suggested, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, which included active noise cancellation. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll due to its suspension tuning.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain offered minimal fuel economy improvements but contributed to Volvo's electrification goals. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle's insulation kept road and wind noise at bay, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. While the XC90 lacked extensive customizable driving dynamics, its simplicity appealed to those who preferred straightforward operation.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat 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, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was elegant but had limited cubby space for small items. The second row was comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging, especially with the standard seven-passenger seating. The XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space with the third row in place, expanding to 1,183 litres with it folded, and maxing out at 1,856 litres. These figures fell short compared to competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car, offering a more agile experience than typical three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 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 graphics that were more appealing than many competitors, despite the relatively small screen size.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech was highlighted by a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. It integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. However, many functions were embedded in the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. 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 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology combined these features to maintain distance and lane position, enhancing safety and convenience.