2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect the brand's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from Buick's past without venturing into new territory. The vehicle's rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal that has drawn many buyers to this segment. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's design 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 interior's plastic components reminded us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels were reminiscent of uninspired 1990s designs, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a bold and distinct design that diverged from Hyundai's recent aesthetic trends. The Santa Fe embraced a boxy shape, which Hyundai's design chief, SangYup Lee, described as optimal for storage capacity. Despite its boxy appearance, the Santa Fe was more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor and exuded an upscale look that turned heads. The vehicle's sophisticated colour palette and anodized-finish badging added to its elegance, while the XRT trim level introduced dark chrome and black cladding for a rugged touch. Inside, the Santa Fe offered premium styling with a focus on comfort and practicality. The XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims featured soft, padded surfaces and luxurious materials, creating a cocooning effect. The interior design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with thoughtful touches like a fabric-covered headliner that added a touch of decadence.

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. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving approach. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a hybrid powertrain as the entry-level option in Canada, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an estimated 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission. Other models came with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The Santa Fe provided a smooth and stable driving experience, with notable body roll in turns. The XRT trim added off-road capabilities, making it suitable for remote adventures. Fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the hybrid being more efficient than the gas-only options.

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, affecting spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. 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 missing.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. The design was inspired by the concept of "chabak," emphasizing car camping and tailgating. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with options for bench or captain's chairs in the second row. Upholstery varied by trim, with options ranging from stain-resistant cloth to plush quilted Nappa leather. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available on higher trims. The Santa Fe's design prioritized organization and relaxation, with ample storage pockets and bottle holders.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard connectivity options included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted a curved panoramic display that elegantly integrated digital real estate. The touchscreen was intuitive, with crisp graphics and easy phone pairing for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and six USB ports were standard. The Preferred trim had a simpler 12.3-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access. The system allowed for keyless entry and remote access via a smartphone app.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional safety 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 Hyundai Santa Fe had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe also introduced driver monitoring, combining infrared cameras and capacitive sensors to ensure driver alertness.