2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding. However, the cabin's mix of quality materials and some questionable ones occasionally reminded us of the Explorer's base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's design history, presenting rounded exterior surfaces and a tall stance that resulted in awkward proportions. Our test car, equipped with the Sport Touring Package, featured subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille. Inside, the Encore GX Essence model included leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats, but the interior's plastic bits reminded us of its position in Buick's hierarchy. The dashboard and door panels had a 1990s design feel, though the instrument cluster was a standout feature with its clear layout.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base models came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD optional. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid option, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a 21 mpg combined rating. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust, handling off-road terrain well, and offered an engaging driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine offered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. FWD was standard, with AWD optional for the 1.3-liter engine. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our 1.3-liter AWD test car had decent acceleration, though power delivery wasn't smooth. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The King Ranch model featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. While the front and second-row seats were comfortable, the third-row was less accessible for adults. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage, though it had a hands-free power liftgate with 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. It had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet. The front seats were placed close together, reducing spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. However, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was lacking, struggling with navigation and music requests. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The interface was user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the screen size was modest.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity was occasionally frustrating.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings in IIHS crash tests, though it had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.