2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a striking model, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. It featured a refreshed front with sleek daytime running lights above the grille and angular LED headlamps positioned lower on either side. The new Buick logo added a modern touch, while the Avenir trim boasted a unique grille and chrome accents. The rear design remained largely unchanged from 2023, except for the new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX was particularly appealing with its available 19-inch wheels and vibrant colour options, including red, blue, maroon, and the distinctive Copper Ice Metallic.

Inside, the Encore GX underwent significant changes, notably the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. This addition lent a premium, tech-savvy appearance, although some interior plastics felt less luxurious. Colour choices were limited to black or cream, but the overall design was commendable for its price point.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a distinct identity. It featured upscale styling, with our test model showcasing impressive 22-inch silver wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred understated elegance. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees.

Our test focused on the TX 350, likely the most popular version. It came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like upgraded ambient lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn colour scheme and black-grained trim. Despite this, the TX 350's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, befitting its Lexus badge.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, with the Canadian model featuring a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a responsive driving experience. The Encore GX accelerated to 100 km/h in about nine seconds, making it competitive within its class. However, highway passing required patience due to a noticeable delay in downshifting. The selectable AWD system allowed drivers to choose when to engage all-wheel drive, offering some control over fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than its predecessor. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but was competitive within its segment. It had a towing capacity of 453 kilograms and featured an available hands-free liftgate for convenient cargo loading. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,422 litres with the seats folded down. The interior included standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with optional features like a Bose audio system and a moonroof.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating for adults compared to previous models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, although some lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under a single glass panel. While visually appealing, the screen had unused space, giving the impression of a malfunction. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The rear camera mirror provided a wider view of the surroundings, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Lexus TX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The Executive packages included a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the head-up display's controls were unmarked, causing distraction, and it was often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, which included lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA awarded the Encore GX a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered advanced features like front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it occasionally slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.