Toyota Highlander vs Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension, providing a blend of luxury and sportiness. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from standard all-wheel drive and an 8-inch touchscreen to premium options like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, opting for a more modern look that some found awkward due to its rounded surfaces and tall stance. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with subtle exterior enhancements, but the differences were minimal. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior design was reminiscent of 1990s styles, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels. Despite good fit and finish, the Encore GX's interior lacked the spaciousness and comfort found in some competitors, though it did offer practical storage solutions and a well-executed instrument cluster.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Highlander offered a smooth driving experience, with drive modes like Sport, Normal, and Eco, and an AWD system with Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. While the V6 provided better pickup at higher speeds, it was less lively from a standstill. The Highlander excelled in handling, especially with the XSE's sport-tuned suspension, and could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, featured a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Encore GX offered a comfortable ride with standard all-wheel drive. While acceleration felt stronger than the specs suggested, power delivery was not always smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in handling, with slow steering and significant body roll, making it less engaging to drive compared to the Highlander.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered impressive cargo space, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second- and third-row seats folded. With all seats in use, it provided 453 litres behind the third row. The Highlander's interior was designed for practicality, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and second-row captain's chairs for added comfort and accessibility. While the third row was less spacious for adults, the overall interior layout was family-friendly and versatile.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. It offered 665 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these limitations, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and practical hard buttons, though a 360-degree camera view button was notably absent.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While it lacked wireless connectivity, the system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen. The XSE trim featured a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen and JBL audio system available for those seeking more advanced tech features.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the touchscreen was smaller than some competitors, it was easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system, providing a comprehensive tech package for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and more. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags as standard. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Additional safety features were available through option packages, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, though it scored lower for child-seat anchor ease of use.