2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling that neither embraced retro cues nor ventured into new territory. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that buyers sought. Even with the 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. While fit and finish were commendable, the interior design lacked excitement, with a dashboard and door panels reminiscent of outdated 1990s aesthetics. The instrument cluster, however, stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly positioned itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, which might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX 350 Executive package, with its striking 22-inch wheels, enhanced the SUV's presence. The TX offered a range of models, including the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices starting from $72,036. The TX 350, likely the most popular variant, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium touches like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery, though the interior felt dark despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX's interior met luxury expectations, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

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 AWD. While acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350 offered a balanced ride and handling, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft but was easy to modulate.

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 665 litres with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, affecting spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite 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 information conveyance.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The TX 350 featured premium materials, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, provided triple-zone climate control and USB ports for all rows. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with ample leg support and large windows. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. Storage slots and bins were numerous but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display and surround-view camera in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available in the Executive package.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included 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, 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 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, though it was not always transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.