2024 Hyundai Tucson vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, lacking the distinctive styling cues that once defined the brand. Its 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 added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's design remained unremarkable. Inside, the top-trim Essence model offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior's plastic elements and uninspired design reminded us of the vehicle's position at the lower end of Buick's lineup.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson boasted a striking design with sharp angles and unique elements, such as headlights seamlessly integrated into the grille. This cohesive design created a contemporary and attractive package, even in a typically unflattering white colour. The Tucson's interior continued this modern theme, with a refined cabin that balanced technology and user-friendliness. While some controls were less intuitive, like the touch-capacitive volume buttons, the overall layout was practical and accommodating. The Tucson's design and interior execution set it apart as a stylish and well-thought-out compact SUV.

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 patience to extract its full potential. The ride quality was comfortable, and the cabin remained quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX's driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, making it feel less agile than its competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Preferred, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled to provide brisk acceleration on highways. The Tucson's handling and ride quality were commendable, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience. Its steering was precise, and it absorbed road imperfections well, making it suitable for long journeys. Although not as sporty as some rivals, the Tucson's well-rounded performance made it a solid choice for everyday driving.

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. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX featured clever storage solutions, such as large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. However, the front seats were positioned too close together, compromising comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Tucson excelled in interior space, offering up to 2,119 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 1,097 litres with them in use. The Tucson's hands-free power liftgate, available on higher trims, added convenience. The cabin accommodated five passengers comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The Tucson's interior featured numerous storage options, including deep cup holders and a centre tray with a wireless charging pad, enhancing its practicality for daily use.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked the fully digital instrument cluster found in some competitors. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. However, rear passengers were left without USB ports, limiting connectivity options.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson featured a fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While the infotainment system was intuitive, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tucson's interface was glove-friendly, which was beneficial in cold weather. Hyundai's remote start system was a standout feature, allowing drivers to start the vehicle remotely and seamlessly transition to driving. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Tucson's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered a range of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were part of optional packages. The Encore GX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an extensive suite of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Ultimate trim added advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and Hyundai's Smart Park remote-parking feature. The Tucson received high safety ratings from the IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick+ designation, and performed well in NHTSA crash tests, making it a strong contender for safety-conscious consumers.