Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures and tones, and the quality of materials was questioned. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Buick Encore GX was praised for its attractive design, inspired by the Wildcat concept. The refreshed model featured a new face with sleek daytime running lights and angular LED headlamps. The Avenir trim had a unique grille and chrome trim, while the rear received new LED tail lights. The Encore GX offered a variety of vibrant colours, including a striking Copper Ice Metallic. Inside, the relocation of HVAC vents made room for a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving the interior a premium look despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and regenerative brakes to assist with battery charging. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. However, it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that lacked engagement.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was available in FWD or AWD, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX was responsive enough, accelerating to 100 km/h in about nine seconds, but highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The selectable AWD system allowed for fuel-saving control, though competitors offered automatic systems. The Encore GX was noted for its smooth ride in the city, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered seating for seven or eight, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and accessing it was challenging. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional features in the Platinum package. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the storage areas were unlined, and the centre armrest storage console was unnecessarily complex.

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 the seats 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. The Encore GX offered practical utility for its size, though towing capacity was limited to 453 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The JBL sound system provided decent audio quality, though the graphics on the infotainment system could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, the screens left much unused space. The Encore GX included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view, and the infotainment system was simple and easy to use, focusing on essential features like smartphone mirroring and climate control.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking sensors and a surround-view camera on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX included the Driver Confidence package with lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique features included Teen Driver, which monitored driving habits, and Buckle to Drive, preventing the car from shifting out of park without the driver’s seat belt fastened. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the IIHS.