2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey offered a spacious and comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpool groups with ease. Its cargo space was impressive, rivaling that of larger SUVs when the seats were folded or removed. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels and quality interior materials.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's design history, presenting a modern yet somewhat awkward exterior. Its rounded surfaces and tall stance did not fully capture the SUV appeal that many buyers sought. The Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were not immediately noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and other premium features, but the overall design felt reminiscent of older automotive styles. The dashboard and door panels lacked excitement, though the instrument cluster stood out with its clear and functional layout.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked the hybrid options of some competitors, the Odyssey offered a respectable fuel economy of 22 mpg combined. It was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration, though its brakes could become overworked on steep descents. The Odyssey excelled in providing a smooth and composed ride, making it a reliable choice for family transportation.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The latter was available with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX provided a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving dynamics were less engaging, with slow steering and noticeable body roll. The Encore GX prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling, making it suitable for relaxed driving rather than spirited performance.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey impressed with its spacious and versatile interior. It featured wide-opening doors and a low step-in height, making entry and exit easy. The Elite trim offered quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats removed.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, though the front seats were positioned close together, affecting the sense of roominess. The cargo capacity was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The Encore GX made efficient use of its interior space, offering ample small-item storage and a space-saving wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear displays and intuitive controls, though the lack of rear USB ports was a drawback for passengers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system was starting to show its age. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk systems, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Odyssey's infotainment interface felt outdated, and its voice recognition system was limited. A major update was needed to keep up with competitors.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included navigation, a head-up display, and a Bose audio system. The Encore GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics and a logical layout. While the screen size was modest, it fit well within the dashboard design, and the overall technology package was more modern than the Odyssey's.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was well-equipped with safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It also had automatic high beams and a rear-seat reminder system. However, the Honda Sensing system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or reacting abruptly. The Odyssey received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Additional features such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring were available as options. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Its safety systems were effective, though some features required optional packages.