2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX was a vehicle that commanded attention with its imposing spindle grille and substantial ground clearance of 206 millimetres. Standing tall at 1,885 millimetres, it had a formidable presence on the road. The front end, with its massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer any path. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to just 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with a short wheelbase of 2,789 millimetres and minimal overhangs, making it adept at tackling obstacles. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its premium status. Yet, it offered features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Buick Encore GX was a stylish subcompact SUV, drawing inspiration from the Wildcat concept. Its refreshed design featured sleek daytime running lights and angular LED headlamps, complemented by a new Buick logo. The Avenir trim added a unique grille and chrome accents, enhancing its visual appeal. The rear design remained largely unchanged, except for new LED tail lights on higher trims. The Encore GX offered a vibrant colour palette, including options like Copper Ice Metallic, and the Sport Touring trim allowed for a sporty black roof and mirrors. Inside, the most notable change was the 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a modern, tech-savvy look. While some interior plastics felt cheap, the Encore GX provided a comfortable and stylish cabin.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, but it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it offered adequate performance, reaching 100 kilometres per hour in about nine seconds. While not quick, it was responsive enough for city driving. The Encore GX featured a selectable AWD system, allowing drivers to choose when to engage all-wheel drive. However, highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The suspension provided a smooth ride, making it a comfortable city car.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep centre console bin. The decision to use hard buttons for controls was a welcome choice, providing ease of use. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight and best suited for occasional use. Cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, provided 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with them folded. It could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with options for a Bose audio system and moonroof. While towing capacity was limited to 453 kilograms, the Encore GX offered a hands-free liftgate for convenience.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering improvements over its predecessor. It included standard features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX boasted an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. While visually appealing, the screen had unused space. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The rear camera mirror provided a wider view, enhancing safety. The infotainment system was simple, with easy-to-read tiles for essential functions.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its age, came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, including features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced features like lane-tracing assist. The GX had not been crash-tested by major safety organizations, but it offered a range of driver assistance systems.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX included the Driver Confidence package as standard, featuring lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The Encore GX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash tests.