2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling 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 allure that many buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's appearance remained understated. Inside, the top-trim Essence model 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 dashboard and door panels, reminiscent of 1990s design, lacked intrigue, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander embraced a more rugged design, drawing inspiration from larger SUVs. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with several Toyota models, offering a spacious interior thanks to its 5,115 mm length and 2,950 mm wheelbase. Its blockier design, with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, echoed the styling of the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. Inside, the Grand Highlander provided a comfortable and well-built environment, with features like black Softex synthetic leather on the XLE trim and real leather on higher trims. The spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom, made it a suitable choice for families, while the quality of materials suggested durability over time.

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. While acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, 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 active noise cancellation, but the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 combined net horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. All models featured all-wheel drive, with the Hybrid Max delivering impressive acceleration. The Grand Highlander, while large, provided adequate acceleration and solid brakes, though steering feedback was somewhat numb. It offered three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes on certain models, enhancing its versatility.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with seats folded. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in space, surpassing rivals like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. With a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, it offered ample storage, even with all seats in use. The interior was comfortable, with generous headroom and legroom across all rows, making it suitable for adults in the third row. Its spaciousness and comfort made it an attractive option for families.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, head-up display, and Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an intelligent assistant available via subscription. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL stereo on higher trims. The system represented a significant improvement over previous Toyota interfaces, though subscription options required careful consideration.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. It received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure alert. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, with additional features like traffic jam assist on the Platinum grade. While not yet crash-tested, its comprehensive safety suite suggested strong safety credentials.