2024 Kia Telluride vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from the past without forging a new path, resulting in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV appeal. The rounded exterior and tall stance did not convey the rugged SUV look that buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the 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 abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position at the bottom of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, harkened back to less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster with its outward-pointing binnacles was a notable feature.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Telluride was available in multiple trims, including the EX, SX, and SX Limited, with rugged options like the X-Line and X-Pro. All trims featured standard all-wheel drive, with the X-Line adding a centimetre of ground clearance and the X-Pro enhancing off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased towing capacity. The Telluride's design updates maintained its attractive proportions, and the Wolf Gray paint complemented the blacked-out X-Line styling. Inside, the test model boasted premium Nappa leather seats, a dual sunroof, and a range of interior colour options that enhanced the cabin's appeal. The Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. The SUV offered generous storage space, a hands-free power liftgate, and a maximum cargo volume of 2,463 litres, making it ideal for family road trips.

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. The acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, but the power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, which included active noise cancellation. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll due to the suspension tuning focused on ride comfort.

The 2024 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, increased to 2,495 kg in the X-Pro trim. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and multiple driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. It provided a firm ride at lower speeds but was soft and compliant at higher velocities, absorbing road undulations effectively. The SUV was quick and refined, with responsive steering and reliable brakes. However, it was not fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation loop and 13.4 L/100 km in city 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 Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. The Encore GX had 665 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded, which was respectable for the segment. The front seats were placed close together, reducing the feeling of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick made efficient use of space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a centre-console tray. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2024 Kia Telluride provided a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a dual sunroof. The controls were oriented horizontally, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and physical controls. The Telluride offered generous storage space, including a covered cubby and a smartphone tray. The hands-free power liftgate was standard, providing convenience, though it could be turned off when not needed. The Telluride had 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,302 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum volume of 2,463 litres. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offered useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was user-friendly, with graphics that were nicer than many competitors. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was small by current standards, though it fit well within the dashboard design.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included for three years, with various plans available afterward. The Telluride featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Thoughtful features included a blue-light filter for the display, Quiet Mode for playing music only through the front speakers, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were also available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, 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 had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2024 Kia Telluride boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Safety feature upgrades varied by trim, with options like front parking sensors, junction cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, offering excellent protection in the event of a collision.