2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

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 SUV appeal that has drawn many buyers to this segment. The optional Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, but these 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 us of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design was uninspired, with a dashboard and door panels reminiscent of outdated 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, featuring a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. While the rear fascia was claimed to be new, changes were minimal, focusing on redesigned taillight elements. The Rogue's exterior updates included satin-finish badging and new wheel designs, with the top Platinum grade offering more black trim and an optional black roof. Inside, the Rogue's dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing its premium feel. The Rogue Platinum trim featured leather seats with quilted stitching, and the overall cabin design was upscale, making it feel worthy of its top-tier status.

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. Despite its modest specs, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger, though 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, but the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll. The steering was slow and lifeless, detracting from the overall driving dynamics.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, outperforming many competitors in its class. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, diminishing the engine's impressive output. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, compromising ride quality without enhancing handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the droning exhaust note was less appealing. The Rogue was quiet overall, but it did not excel as a driver's car or a daily driver.

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, respectable for the segment. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a centre-console tray. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered nearly identical passenger space to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with slight differences in legroom. The Rogue's cargo space was 1,033 litres with the rear seats up and 2,098 litres with them folded, less than the CR-V but more than the Subaru Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a molded-in space for grocery bags. The centre console had a pass-through space for added flexibility, though accessing the floor-level storage tray was awkward.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional features like a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and Bose audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM were standard, but rear passengers lacked USB ports. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's lower trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first in its segment to offer Google built-in, integrating Google Maps and Assistant directly with the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. Nissan provided ample charging options, with multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. The Nissan Connect Services trial period was extended to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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, with top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top "Good" ratings in several IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with automated lane centring. The system was more capable than most rivals, though not as advanced as some current technologies.