2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Genesis GV70

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 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 design 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, reminiscent of 1990s design, lacked intrigue, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 distinguished itself within the Genesis lineup and among competitors. It retained key Genesis styling elements like split headlights and a large grille, yet appeared sleeker than its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's design struck a balance between SUV presence and luxury-car style, avoiding the puffed-up look of rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. The Electrified GV70 maintained the gasoline model's styling, with a unique grille housing the charge port. Inside, the GV70's interior was memorable for its distinctive details, such as an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary infotainment controller. The dashboard's rounded cross-section added to the unique design, showcasing Genesis's effort to stand out.

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 acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower, both with standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode providing 483 horsepower. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning didn't match the sportiness of rivals like the BMW X3. The ride was reasonably comfortable, but the suspension tended to crash over bumps. The Electrified GV70, despite its additional weight, maintained similar handling characteristics to the gasoline model and offered adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

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 and cargo capacity. The Encore GX's 665 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,422 litres with seats folded were respectable, though the front seats felt cramped and lacked thigh support. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided interior space comparable to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more front-seat legroom than the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Cargo space was 818 litres with rear seats up and 1,611 litres with seats folded, better than the Mercedes but less than the Audi Q5. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by the battery pack. The stylish interior design, however, limited small-item storage, though a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls were included. Automatic side bolsters in the Electrified GV70's front seats added a touch of luxury.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, head-up display, and Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the screen size was modest.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a high-quality rotary controller. A fingerprint scanner allowed for personalized driver profiles, though digital key functionality was not yet available for the GV70 in Canada.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, 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 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2024 Genesis GV70, both gasoline and electrified versions, received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. The available Highway Driving Assist 2 added automated lane-change capability. Genesis also offered a safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.