2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't quite capture the high-riding SUV appeal. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions, lacking the SUV-like presence that competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek managed to convey. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences 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 drivers of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, reminiscent of 1990s automotive aesthetics, lacked excitement, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna offered a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and a range of vibrant colours. The XSE trim added sporty elements like a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels. Inside, the Sienna provided a spacious and functional environment, with features like a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs offered ample legroom, though their non-removable nature limited cargo space. The third row was accessible and comfortable, with tilting seats and window shades. The Sienna's interior was practical, with tri-zone climate control and a rear liftgate revealing significant cargo capacity, making it a family-friendly choice.

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 steering was slow and lifeless, detracting from the overall driving dynamics.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, a hybrid minivan, combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. While the Sienna offered a sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode, it felt sluggish off the line, with the CVT contributing to a lack of excitement. Acceleration was smooth but slow, especially during highway merging or climbing. Around town, the Sienna provided a pleasant driving experience, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. However, the brakes were a bit grabby, and the CVT could get loud. For those seeking more driving pleasure, alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival offered stronger V6 powerplants.

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 respectable, with 665 litres with the rear seats in place 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 for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance, though a 360-degree camera view button was missed.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and functionality, with a lower storage pass-through and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain's chairs offered up to 101.5 centimetres of legroom, though their non-removable nature limited cargo space. The third row was accessible and comfortable, with tilting seats and window shades. The Sienna provided tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,129 litres with the third row stowed, and 2,860 litres with the second row folded, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the 8-inch screen was small by current standards. The interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, providing a familiar experience for users.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, however, was equipped with Toyota's older infotainment technology, featuring a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the newer system offered better graphics and features, the inclusion of physical buttons for common menus was appreciated. The backup camera's grainy view was a drawback, and the analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display provided essential information. The Sienna offered available SiriusXM satellite radio and a 12-speaker JBL stereo system, with plenty of USB ports and a 1500-watt inverter for added convenience.

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, automatic park assist, 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 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, and full-speed adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sienna provided ample airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows, and reminders for rear passengers and cargo. The Sienna received a four-star rating for frontal crash and rollover protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection from the NHTSA, with "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness.