2020 Buick Encore GX vs 2021 Lexus GX
Overview | |
MSRP$24,100 | MSRP$53,450 |
Average price$19,864 | Average price$45,396 |
Listings478 | Listings574 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews5.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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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? | |
2021 Lexus GX Reviews SummaryMost modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway19 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.2L 137 hp I3 | Engine Name4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | Torque329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower137 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City15 |
MPG Highway30 | MPG Highway19 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space23.5 cu ft | Cargo Space11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3025 lbs | Curb Weight5130 lbs |
Height64.1 in | Height74.2 in |
Length171.4 in | Length192.1 in |
Width71.4 in | Width74.2 in |
Wheelbase102.2 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1315 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity6500 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,100 | $53,450 |
Average price | $19,864 | $45,396 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 7.0 out of 10Read full review | 5.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | 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? | Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460. Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years. That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery. For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 19 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.2L 137 hp I3 | 4.6L 301 hp V8 |
Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 329 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 301 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 15 |
MPG Highway | 30 | 19 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 23.5 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3025 lbs | 5130 lbs |
Height | 64.1 in | 74.2 in |
Length | 171.4 in | 192.1 in |
Width | 71.4 in | 74.2 in |
Wheelbase | 102.2 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1315 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1000 lbs | 6500 lbs |
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By: CarGurus + AI
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