2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

2023 Buick Encore GX
2023 Buick Encore GX
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2024 Acura MDX
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Buick Encore GX
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$25,900

MSRP

$50,150

Average price

$29,764

Average price

$70,824

Listings

64

Listings

78
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Strong engines
  • Sharp handling
  • Lots of standard features
Cons
  • Frustrating infotainment system
  • Ride can be firm for some
  • Small third row

2023 Buick Encore GX Reviews Summary

General Motors has big plans for Buick. The near-luxury division positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac is slated to go all-electric by the end of the decade, with a fresh lineup of EVs highlighted by a new design language. But those new models aren’t scheduled to arrive for a few more years, so for now Buick carries on with a lineup of conventional gasoline crossover SUVs, of which the 2023 Buick Encore GX is the entry-level option.

The Encore GX was launched for the 2020 model year as a larger sibling to the Buick Encore, but the standard Encore is being discontinued, leaving only the GX for 2023. It slots below the Envision and Enclave in Buick’s three-model crossover lineup.

While Buick is generally considered a step up from mainstream brands, the Encore GX’s size and pricing are more in line with subcompact SUVs from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30, or the lifted-hatchback Subaru Crosstrek. In fact, the Encore GX shares powertrains and a basic platform with one of these vehicles—the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The only change for 2023 is a new extra-cost Moonstone Gray Metallic paint option. That means the lineup still consists of base Preferred, mid-level Select, and top Essence trim levels. We tested out an Encore GX Essence for this review.

2024 Acura MDX Reviews Summary

The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type S Ultra trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes.

Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type S Ultra trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.2L 137 hp I3

Engine

3.5L 290 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

137 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

290 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

19

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

26
2023 Buick Encore GX
2023 Buick Encore GX
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Acura MDX
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Buick Encore GX
$25,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Acura MDX
$50,150MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$25,900
$50,150
Average price
$29,764
$70,824
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Poor fuel economy
Pros
  • Strong engines
  • Sharp handling
  • Lots of standard features
Cons
  • Frustrating infotainment system
  • Ride can be firm for some
  • Small third row
Summary

General Motors has big plans for Buick. The near-luxury division positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac is slated to go all-electric by the end of the decade, with a fresh lineup of EVs highlighted by a new design language. But those new models aren’t scheduled to arrive for a few more years, so for now Buick carries on with a lineup of conventional gasoline crossover SUVs, of which the 2023 Buick Encore GX is the entry-level option.

The Encore GX was launched for the 2020 model year as a larger sibling to the Buick Encore, but the standard Encore is being discontinued, leaving only the GX for 2023. It slots below the Envision and Enclave in Buick’s three-model crossover lineup.

While Buick is generally considered a step up from mainstream brands, the Encore GX’s size and pricing are more in line with subcompact SUVs from mainstream brands, such as the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30, or the lifted-hatchback Subaru Crosstrek. In fact, the Encore GX shares powertrains and a basic platform with one of these vehicles—the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The only change for 2023 is a new extra-cost Moonstone Gray Metallic paint option. That means the lineup still consists of base Preferred, mid-level Select, and top Essence trim levels. We tested out an Encore GX Essence for this review.

The Acura MDX is a mainstay of the luxury SUV segment, and it covers the bases remarkably well. Its well-rounded nature is perhaps because it shares a platform with the Honda Pilot (another fantastic family hauler) but for that same reason, it doesn’t offer the same cachet as a BMW X5 or Mercedes-Benz GLE. Whether you are on a road trip or heading to work, the MDX is comfortable, refined, and has space for the family and their gear. For 2024, there’s a new Type S Ultra trim level, bringing a new level of performance to the three-row, seven-passenger midsize luxury SUV. But as we’ll get into in a bit, the MDX is held back by a maddening infotainment system that could truly be a sticking point to overshadow all other positive attributes.

Verdict: The MDX is a beautiful, safe, and cost-effective luxury SUV, and the new Type S Ultra trim level delivers a higher level of performance. However, it doesn’t offer as much space as some of its competitors, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone easily frustrated by finnicky tech interfaces.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.2L 137 hp I3
3.5L 290 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
137 hp @ 5000 rpm
290 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
29
19
MPG Highway
31
26
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