2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with both models sharing Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in the top Essence trim, though it wasn't truly premium. The controls were straightforward, but the rotary toggles on the steering wheel were a bit cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more modern and minimalistic design. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models were visually distinct, with the latter featuring a blacked-out grille and aggressive styling. The RX's design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt-nosed appearance and a wheelbase stretch that made it look smaller. Inside, the RX adopted contemporary textures and detailing, with ambient lighting and a cleaner layout. The RX 350h Luxury model boasted Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Encore GX's 1.3-liter turbo engine and CVT provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy. The ride was not as smooth as expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more powerful and efficient performance. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering, providing a more engaging driving experience. However, the RX 500h's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 20.9 mpg.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, offered a comfortable interior with easy ingress and egress. 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 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and spacious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with ten-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable seats with larger bolsters. Rear legroom was good, but headroom was tight due to the higher seat cushion and lower roofline. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. It offered a range of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology package added HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It featured a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had some usability issues, such as limited screen views and reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. However, headlight ratings varied by trim.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations.