2024 Lexus RX vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

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 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 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 entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, harkened back to less appealing aspects of 1990s automotive design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RX, following a recent redesign, presented a mixed bag in terms of styling. The front end was dominated by an oversized trapezoidal grille, which, along with a bulky hood, contributed to a less cohesive look compared to previous RX models. The side profile added visual heft with bulging body panels, while the rear design was more refined, featuring a single light strip connecting the taillights. Inside, the RX offered a more conventional and inviting layout, with faux suede inserts and a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen in higher trims. The centre console, though featuring a less convincing simulated woodgrain, was complemented by premium leather and well-grained plastics, providing a sturdy and luxurious feel.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Despite its modest power figures, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than expected, though power delivery was not always smooth due to the turbocharged engine and transmission dynamics. The ride quality was a highlight, with a well-damped suspension that absorbed road imperfections effectively, and active noise cancellation contributing to a quiet cabin. However, the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, with slow and lifeless steering detracting from any sense of agility.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered a range of powertrains, starting with the RX 350's 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350h hybrid variant featured a 2.5-litre engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-litre engine with a hybrid system for 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ added a larger battery for 304 hp and an estimated 60 km of electric range. While the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered, the RX 450h+ offered more responsive performance, reaching 96 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The RX prioritized comfort with its soft suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll but a smooth ride over most road surfaces. The F Sport Handling trim offered a sportier experience, though the RX's main focus remained on comfort.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek offered more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos provided 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, though the Seltos offered more. The front seats were positioned closely together, reducing the sense of 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. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Lexus RX's front seats offered ample room and power adjustments, with standard heating and ventilation in Canada. A rubberized wireless charging pad complemented wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while additional USB ports and spacious cupholders added convenience. The rear seats provided good headroom and legroom, with elevated seating for better visibility. Standard rear climate controls and USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. The RX's cargo space was 838 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,308 litres with them folded, though the load floor was higher than competitors. One-touch power-folding buttons facilitated access to the expanded cargo area.

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 connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system, shared with other GM vehicles, was user-friendly with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Lexus RX benefited from a redesigned infotainment system, replacing the previous trackpad with a more conventional touchscreen interface. Lower trims featured a 9.8-inch display, while higher-end models boasted a 14-inch screen. The system offered natural speech commands and logical menu layouts, though it wasn't as feature-rich as some competitors. Steering wheel controls included multi-function pads with a head-up display diagram for ease of use. The RX's cloud-based navigation system faced connectivity issues and required a subscription after a three-year trial, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto more appealing. The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 Top Safety Pick for 2022, with top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in NHTSA's overall and side collision tests, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick, despite a "Poor" rating in the new moderate frontal overlap test. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist, with available features like a head-up display and semi-automated parking. Some systems were overly sensitive, but adjustments were possible.