2024 Toyota 4Runner 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 Encore GX's design 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, 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In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner maintained its classic, albeit outdated, design that has remained largely unchanged since 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged and stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized this with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling was evident, with analog instruments and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the interior featured hard plastics, it also provided cushioned panels for comfort. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily on nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but lacked the modern touches found in those competitors.

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 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.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivered 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. Its five-speed automatic transmission lagged behind competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, which offered more responsive gearboxes. The TRD Pro model featured standard four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, excelling off-road but feeling sluggish on highways. The 4Runner's soft suspension provided excellent wheel articulation but resulted in noticeable body roll and nosedive during braking. Despite its shortcomings on pavement, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities remained a strong selling point.

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 cargo capacity compared to the Kia Seltos. The front seats were positioned closely together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these issues, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless charging pad. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, featured a straightforward layout with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. It provided ample space for front passengers, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, but headroom was restricted due to the elevated bench. The 4Runner excelled in cargo capacity, with up to 2,540 litres available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were notable drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added unique functionality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. While it lacked a fully digital instrument cluster, it offered optional features like navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the lack of off-road specific apps and gauges was a limitation compared to competitors.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered a range of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional packages added 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, though it scored lower for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, though the system's sensitivity could be intrusive.