2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that neither embraced retro elements nor ventured into new territory. 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 position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, evoked memories of less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-90 showcased a leap in design and material quality, positioning itself closer to luxury brands. Its exterior, inspired by the smaller CX-30 and CX-5, was scaled up to create an imposing presence with a large grille and tasteful chrome accents. Inside, the top-tier trims boasted interiors that rivaled luxury competitors, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic. The CX-90 offered a range of trims and seating configurations, with the Signature trim providing an exclusive six-seat layout. While not the most spacious in its class, the CX-90 compensated with clever storage solutions and high-quality materials, making it a comfortable choice for families.

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 it required patience to extract the most from the engine. The ride was comfortable, with a quiet cabin thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, making it feel awkward in most situations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine in the GT-P and Signature trims delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling exhaust note and impressive performance. All CX-90 models featured standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 excelled in handling, feeling agile and composed through corners, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout. The PHEV model offered a combined output of 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an all-electric range of 42 kilometres, though it couldn't match the Signature trim for noise and drama.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, it fell short in front legroom compared to the Subaru Crosstrek and rear-seat space against the Kia Seltos. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick made efficient use of space with large door pockets and a centre-console tray for small-item storage.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, with the lowest trims seating eight and the Signature trim offering an exclusive six-seat layout. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with up to 2,129 litres available. While the CX-90 improved on the CX-9's capacity, it still lagged behind competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Clever storage solutions, such as a large centre console and spacious door pockets, enhanced practicality. The CX-90's interior featured high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a pleasant environment for occupants.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and an intuitive interface, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that used facial recognition to adjust settings automatically, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with touchscreen controls. The CX-90's technology suite aimed to balance safety with convenience, though it required some adaptation from users.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured standard driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional safety 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, with top ratings in crash tests but an average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems, which included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like smart brake support and rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety. The CX-90's top-spec Signature trim included cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver assistance system. While the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well, given the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.