2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and sportiness. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid identifiers. In contrast, the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, embodying a more performance-oriented aesthetic. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design contributing to a somewhat unbalanced look. Inside, the RX embraced a minimalist approach, featuring a modern infotainment system and luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h, while the RX 500h offered a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum accents.

The 2024 Buick Envista, built on the same platform as the Chevy Trax, took a different stylistic route with its crossover coupe design, reminiscent of more expensive models like the BMW X2. Its sleek, shark-nose front end, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights above and real headlights flanking the grille. The Envista's ST grade sported black exterior trim and optional 19-inch wheels, while the Avenir trim boasted bright exterior accents and standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Envista shared similarities with the Trax but offered a more streamlined look with softer materials. Despite some cheap-feeling textures, the cabin was a step up from the Trax, providing a more premium feel without exceeding expectations for an entry-level vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds, making it a more efficient choice compared to its predecessor. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. Despite its power, it consumed 8.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, enhancing its driving dynamics and making it a thrilling option for those seeking performance.

The 2024 Buick Envista was equipped with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While lacking an all-wheel-drive option, the Envista's powertrain was refined, offering smooth power delivery akin to larger engines. The Envista's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front suspension and a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension on models with 19-inch wheels, providing improved ride quality. Despite some nervousness on uneven pavement, the Envista handled corners well and offered a quieter, more comfortable ride compared to its Chevy Trax counterpart.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the RX 350h Luxury model featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard heated and ventilated front seats. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but slightly reduced headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2024 Buick Envista, with its longer wheelbase and wider stance, offered increased rear-seat legroom and shoulder room compared to the outgoing Encore. However, its coupe-like design resulted in slightly reduced headroom. The seats were comfortable, and a power moonroof was available on higher trims. The Envista's cargo space was limited, with 586 litres behind the rear seats and 1,189 litres with the seats folded, less than the Chevy Trax and the old Encore. Despite its car-like design, the Envista maintained good outward visibility and manoeuvrability.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required subscription services for full functionality. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some usability issues, such as limited screen views and reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with retained buttons and knobs for climate control and audio volume. However, the centre stack's tilt towards the driver made controls less accessible for passengers. While lacking advanced tech features like a head-up display, the Envista's infotainment system was impressive for its price range.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, enhancing safety and convenience. However, some features, like the curve-speed reduction tech, were not well-received.

The 2024 Buick Envista offered standard driver assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. In Canada, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring were also standard. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication, but the safety equipment list was typical for its price range.