2023 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its styling was a departure from previous generations, featuring standout elements such as bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, starting with the LX trim, which offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable, didn't quite match the feel of genuine leather. The interior boasted a large display dominating the dash in higher trims, though some hard plastic elements detracted from the overall premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not carry forward Buick's historical design legacy. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that didn't quite capture the SUV aesthetic. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with unique bumpers and a black mesh grille, but the changes were subtle. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and a range of features typical of a top-trim model, but the interior was dominated by plastic elements, reminding occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a dated design, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a notable feature.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a slightly larger and more powerful option than the previous 2.4-litre engine. Despite the increase in power, the Sportage's performance was not particularly quick, and the absence of a turbocharged engine option was felt. The Sportage's fuel economy was competitive, with figures of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 on the highway for front-wheel drive models. The X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but did not enhance off-road capabilities. However, the Sportage's 21 centimetres of ground clearance and capable all-wheel drive system made it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a stronger acceleration feel than the numbers suggested. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll. The Encore GX's ride quality and quiet cabin were its standout features, but it lacked the agility and responsiveness of some competitors.

The 2023 Kia Sportage's increased size compared to its predecessor translated into more interior space. Rear-seat legroom was an impressive 1,050 mm, and the trunk offered 1,121 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The front seats provided ample storage options, including a spacious centre console bin. However, the Sportage's technology interface was a mixed bag, with touch-sensitive buttons for HVAC controls that could be frustrating to use while driving.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. Its cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded was respectable. The front seats, however, were positioned close together, affecting the sense of spaciousness. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, with hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster in the X-Line Limited. While the system was visually impressive, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in top trims was a drawback. The Sportage offered a range of standard tech features, including Bluetooth, keyless entry, and rear USB-C charging ports. A Harman Kardon audio system was standard on the X-Line Limited trim.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The interface was user-friendly, with graphics that were easy on the eyes. While the touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, it fit well within the dashboard design. Optional features included a head-up display and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced features such as a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control 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 the child-seat anchor ease of use received an "Average" score.