2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a significant departure from the original Ioniq, focusing solely on electrified mobility. It featured a minimalist yet intricate exterior design, with a heavy emphasis on Parametric Pixel design elements that gave it a futuristic, almost concept-car-like appearance. The interior, in contrast, was designed to be a "Living Space," offering a mellow and relaxing environment with sustainable materials and a zero-gravity "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, however, did not carry forward Buick's historical design flair. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV look. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, the design changes were subtle and did little to enhance its overall appearance. Inside, the Encore GX offered expected features for a top-trim model but was let down by a mostly plastic interior and uninspired design elements.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor producing 168 horsepower and a range of 220 miles. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a range of 303 miles. The AWD variants boasted a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, though the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, and its Sport mode added a bit of excitement, albeit at the cost of range. The vehicle also featured paddle shifters for adjusting regenerative braking levels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.3-liter engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car provided decent acceleration but required a patient driving style to get the most out of the engine. 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 in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 utilized the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a longer wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a total interior volume of 133.7 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. The Ioniq 5's interior was designed for comfort, with features like a moveable center console and leatherette seats that provided excellent support. The vehicle's design allowed for easy entry and exit, and the cabin was filled with soft touchpoints and sustainable materials.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom and legroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek. It had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. However, the front seats were placed too close together, eroding the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. The Encore GX did make good use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, but the lack of a 360-degree camera button was a drawback.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 featured advanced technology, including a high-voltage, energy-dense system that supported ultra-fast charging and vehicle-to-load capabilities. It could reach 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes and offered unlimited 30-minute fast-charging sessions for two years through Electrify America. The Ioniq 5 also had a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and intuitive, with an anti-glare coating for better visibility.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was easy to use, with clear graphics and a user-friendly interface, but the screen size was smaller compared to current standards.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured Hyundai Highway Drive Assist I, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with machine-learning adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 had a head-up display with augmented reality overlays, although it could be distracting. While official safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, although it had an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.