2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Buick Encore GX
Overview | |
MSRP$44,300 | MSRP$24,100 |
Listings395 | Listings301 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
2019 Acura MDX Reviews SummarySlowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | |
2020 Buick Encore GX Reviews SummaryAt first glance, one might suspect the 2020 Buick Encore GX is just the range-topping trim of the Buick Encore, a subcompact SUV. But closer examination reveals that it's a slightly larger, more upmarket small crossover. It has a longer wheelbase and heavily revised bodywork. But most crucially, it has more interior space and more powerful engines, which address the two biggest critiques of the Encore. The Encore GX has a higher base price than the non-GX Encore, which then invites tougher competition. Starting at more than $25,000 brings it against some seriously competent small SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. So, should Buick be careful what it wished for by creating a better—but more expensive—Encore? | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 290 hp V6 | Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower290 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space15.0 cu ft | Cargo Space23.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4032 lbs | Curb Weight3025 lbs |
Height67.4 in | Height64.1 in |
Length196.2 in | Length171.4 in |
Width77.7 in | Width71.4 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase102.2 in |
Maximum Payload1336 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $44,300 | $24,100 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Slowly but surely, Acura is picking itself up and dusting itself off after a decade of wayward product development and marketing decisions took Honda’s luxury division off-track. Through it all, though, the MDX midsize 3-row crossover SUV has propped the company up, selling in great enough quantities and at high enough profit margins to ensure Acura’s survival. Now in its sixth year since a complete redesign, is the 2019 MDX still worthy in a battle against newer competitors? | At first glance, one might suspect the 2020 Buick Encore GX is just the range-topping trim of the Buick Encore, a subcompact SUV. But closer examination reveals that it's a slightly larger, more upmarket small crossover. It has a longer wheelbase and heavily revised bodywork. But most crucially, it has more interior space and more powerful engines, which address the two biggest critiques of the Encore. The Encore GX has a higher base price than the non-GX Encore, which then invites tougher competition. Starting at more than $25,000 brings it against some seriously competent small SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. So, should Buick be careful what it wished for by creating a better—but more expensive—Encore? |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 290 hp V6 | 1.2L 137 hp I3 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 6200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 15.0 cu ft | 23.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4032 lbs | 3025 lbs |
Height | 67.4 in | 64.1 in |
Length | 196.2 in | 171.4 in |
Width | 77.7 in | 71.4 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 102.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1336 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 1000 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more compelling choice with its higher overall rating of 8.0 out of 10, compared to the 2020 Buick Encore GX's score of 7.0 out of 10. Therefore, for consumers seeking a powerful, spacious, and feature-rich midsize luxury SUV, the 2019 Acura MDX is the recommended option, although keep in mind that these vehicles are not direct rivals, so the choice will ultimately come down to what type of vehicle it is that you need.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
- You prioritize powerful performance and handling, especially with the optional SH-AWD system and Sport Hybrid model.
- You seek a spacious and practical interior with comfortable seating and ample storage.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and are willing to invest in a midsize luxury SUV.
Choose the 2020 Buick Encore GX if:
- You are looking for a subcompact SUV with a practical and stylish interior, offering ample cargo space and rear legroom.
- You prefer a modern and responsive infotainment system with optional features such as a head-up display and surround-view camera system.
- You are budget-conscious and seek a fuel-efficient powertrain option with a competitive starting price.
CarGurus highlights
Based on the ratings provided by CarGurus experts, the 2019 Acura MDX emerges as the more compelling choice with its higher overall rating of 8.0 out of 10, compared to the 2020 Buick Encore GX's score of 7.0 out of 10. Therefore, for consumers seeking a powerful, spacious, and feature-rich midsize luxury SUV, the 2019 Acura MDX is the recommended option, although keep in mind that these vehicles are not direct rivals, so the choice will ultimately come down to what type of vehicle it is that you need.
Choose the 2019 Acura MDX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize powerful performance and handling, especially with the optional SH-AWD system and Sport Hybrid model.
- You seek a spacious and practical interior with comfortable seating and ample storage.
- You value a comprehensive suite of safety features and are willing to invest in a midsize luxury SUV.
Choose the 2020 Buick Encore GX if:
Shop Now- You are looking for a subcompact SUV with a practical and stylish interior, offering ample cargo space and rear legroom.
- You prefer a modern and responsive infotainment system with optional features such as a head-up display and surround-view camera system.
- You are budget-conscious and seek a fuel-efficient powertrain option with a competitive starting price.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.