2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or attention-grabbing. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings, neither embarrassing nor overly impressing its driver. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. These headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille, creating an expressive face. The MDX's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its overall appeal. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design, highlighted by twin infotainment screens and a high-quality fit and finish that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Encore GX stood out with its appealing styling, a significant improvement over the original Encore. Available in Preferred, Select, and Essence trims, the Encore GX offered a Sport Touring package for a sportier look. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The test model featured the Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, priced at $35,065. Despite its high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers. The Encore GX's cabin provided expected quality for its segment, though the interior design was less refined than the exterior. The analog gauges were inconveniently placed, and the head-up display vibrated on uneven roads, highlighting the vehicle's lack of refinement.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid version with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system demonstrated impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. This system directed power to the outside wheel during cornering, enhancing turn-in and handling. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a suitable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The Encore GX's driving experience was adequate, with enough power for freeway cruising. Front-wheel-drive models had a continuously variable transmission, while all-wheel-drive versions used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling brittle on urban roads and bouncy over bumps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet. The Encore GX excelled on winding back roads, thanks to its nimble size and decent tire grip. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 28.2 mpg.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered practicality with its three-row seating, sliding and reclining second-row seats, and ample cargo space. It provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The MDX featured a flexible center console, tri-zone climate control, and various storage compartments, making it a stylish alternative to minivans for families.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX provided a high seating position, with supportive front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and rear air conditioning vents. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items, adding to its practicality.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera and heated seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence featured an infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity for two devices. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite the added packages, the test car lacked a premium sound system. The Encore GX's infotainment system offered quick response, impressive voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX's ACE Body Structure enhanced crash protection. It received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured Buick Driver Confidence, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX included Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification. It earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, though IIHS ratings were not available.