2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with its trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and high beltline. Despite its small stature, the Encore GX managed to present a handsome appearance, especially when equipped with the optional ST (Sport Touring) package, which added sporty accents and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in higher trims, though it didn't quite reach a premium level. The controls were straightforward, and the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel was a nice touch, despite some cumbersome rotary toggles.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels and a matte Brunswick Green paint job that added to its elegance. Inside, the GV80 continued the luxurious theme with quilted leather seats and a dash adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The spacious and luxurious interior was slightly marred by the infotainment screen's placement, but overall, it was a pleasant environment.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the Essence trim and optional on the others. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite its small engine, the Encore GX's 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy and harsh. The ride was less settled than expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension and active noise cancellation contributed to a quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long commutes.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and excellent visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was tight. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a wealth of luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver's seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 boasted a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo, and a panoramic glass roof. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GV80 also had a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Driver-assistance features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a Driver Confidence package with various safety aids. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a "clicky" feel and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 also included remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside. The system had a learning curve, but it offered a range of connectivity options and convenience features.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of driver assistance features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It earned a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. The Encore GX received "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention, though its headlights received mixed ratings.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was packed with advanced safety features, including a blind-spot video feed and Highway Drive Assist. The system used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide a hands-on driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, its headlights and LATCH system received "Acceptable" ratings.