Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a longer, wider stance, it was unmistakably different from the 2021 model. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its dramatic grille and LED lights creating a futuristic look that might not age gracefully. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display on higher trims. The interior was open, though the centre console felt bulky, and the hoodless driver display, while sharp, tended to gather dust.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's design history, opting for a more modern, albeit awkward, exterior with rounded surfaces and a tall stance. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the overall look lacked the SUV appeal that buyers sought. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim featured leather upholstery and a well-finished interior, though the design felt reminiscent of 1990s cars. The instrument cluster was a standout feature, with clear, well-framed displays. Despite good fit and finish, the interior design lacked excitement, and the front seats were not particularly comfortable.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid's all-wheel drive was standard on most trims, and its six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably. The Tucson Hybrid's steering was responsive, and its suspension provided a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 6.4 L/100 km, making it a more economical choice than its gas-powered counterpart.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, produced 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission offered a conventional driving experience, though power delivery was not always smooth. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its steering felt slow and lifeless, and the vehicle's handling was ponderous, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. It also provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, with reclining rear seats for added comfort. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, and the interior featured numerous storage options, including cupholders and bottle holders.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness. Cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,422 litres with them folded. The Encore GX made efficient use of space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive controls for infotainment and HVAC were less user-friendly than physical buttons, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose audio system on the Ultimate trim.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX also offered a range of standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system were available as options. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick.