2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that lacked the brand's traditional flair. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV aesthetic that was popular among buyers. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like a black mesh grille and 18-inch wheels, 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 abundance of plastic materials reminded us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, evoked memories of uninspired 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic body-on-frame look, appealing to off-road enthusiasts with its rugged design. The redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition, allowed for better airflow, while the integrated windshield antenna prevented snags during off-roading. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top, full hard top, and power-retractable sunroof, enhancing its versatility. The ability to remove doors and fold down the windshield added to its adventurous spirit. The Wrangler's interior featured new 12-way power-adjustable front seats, ensuring comfort even when fording water. The addition of a 30-amp Power Box in the 4xe model allowed for powering accessories, making it a practical choice for outdoor adventures.

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. It featured all-wheel drive as standard, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 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 experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, making it feel awkward in most situations.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower, a 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower, and a 6.4-litre V8 with 470 horsepower. The 4xe plug-in hybrid variant combined the 2.0-litre engine with electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, along with 35 kilometres of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various transfer cases, including the Rock-Trac system in the Rubicon trim. While the 392 model provided exhilarating speed, the 4xe stood out for its efficiency and power. The Wrangler's solid axles and locking differentials ensured excellent traction in rough terrain, though its ride quality on pavement remained bumpy. The addition of sound deadening materials improved cabin quietness, and the availability of a factory-installed WARN winch added to its off-road prowess.

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. The Encore GX's cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded was respectable, though the Seltos offered more space. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity, now rated at 2,268 kilograms for specific models. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats ensuring comfort even when fording water. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for powering accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for practicality, with features like the Power Box enhancing its versatility for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard connectivity features 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, though the 8-inch screen was smaller than some competitors.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was faster and more user-friendly than previous models, with features like Off-Road Pages providing detailed data. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless hotspot, and dual Bluetooth phone pairing. The ability to store up to five user profiles added to its convenience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered 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 scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The 2023 Wrangler received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, with "Good" ratings from the IIHS for roof strength and head restraints. The addition of side curtain airbags for 2024 was expected to improve these ratings.