2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Acura MDX

When shopping for a new Acura MDX, buyers found both standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that increased the amount of equipment. The standard MDX came in a base level with available Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, bringing the MSRP to $74,995. Despite the high price, the MDX Type S set different expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism, but it missed the mark in some respects.

The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, and it featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The Type S had a subdued appearance with 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel. Inside, it boasted a panoramic sunroof, Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes, perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard. However, the body tapering at the doors and the gloss black plastic on the dashboard were points of contention.

The Encore GX was one of the best-looking Buick models in a while, based on the stunning Wildcat concept from 2022. The heavily refreshed 2024 model got a whole new face with sleek daytime running lights perched above the grill and angular LED lamps flanking it lower on either side. The top-of-the-line Avenir-trim test vehicle had a unique grill and chrome trim. The rear saw new LED tail lights on the top two trims. Overall, it was a handsome package, especially with the available 19-inch wheels.

Buick offered a variety of colors for the Encore GX, including brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and an almost-orange paint color called Copper Ice Metallic. Some colors even had the option of a black roof, black mirrors, and black roof rails. Inside, the biggest change was the relocation of the HVAC vents to make room for a new 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While the large glass panel gave the Buick a premium, techy look, there were some cheap-feeling plastics in the interior, and the only color options were black or cream.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique due to its engine. It employed a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, increases of 65 hp and 87 lb-ft over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S also weighed 285 pounds more than the lightest standard MDX with all-wheel drive (AWD). The twin-scroll turbo V6 engine used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters to power all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). This mechanical torque-vectoring AWD system could put up to 70 percent of total engine output to a single rear wheel, and the system was felt at work when accelerating hard out of a corner or tight curve. Acura also employed a brake-based technology called Agile Handling Assist to help tighten a cornering line.

An Integrated Dynamics System provided Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes. The MDX Type S had an exclusive Lift mode that leveraged the standard adaptive air suspension to increase ground clearance from the standard 7.3 inches to 9.4 inches. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole. The MDX Type S never felt like an extension of its driver due to its indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, squealing tires, and poor brake pedal modulation. The engine didn't offer a substantial increase in power over the standard V6, making its dismal fuel economy harder to accept. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, coming up short of the official EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options. It was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and the base Preferred trim had a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims could be upgraded with a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine offering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine made the car feel responsive enough, accelerating to 60 miles per hour in about nine seconds. However, there was a bit of roughness on take-off, and highway passing took time due to the transmission's reluctance to downshift.

The Encore GX was a great city car with a smooth-riding suspension that soaked up rough pavement. It featured a selectable AWD system, allowing drivers to control when to engage AWD to save fuel. However, rivals could default to FWD and automatically throw power to the rear when needed. The Encore GX's performance was staid, but it held its own among the competition.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with a choice of two or three second-row seating positions, plus a cargo area with lots of usable floor space. The fully equipped test vehicle had all available upgrades, including a triple-zone automatic climate control system, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, and quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could be configured for a pass-through or a center armrest with cupholders and a storage tray. The third-row seat was best for carrying children due to its tight squeeze for adults.

The MDX's cargo area had a decent amount of floor space and a sizable well underneath the reversible load floor panel. It could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The Type S Advance had a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX Avenir test car, being a subcompact SUV, didn't offer a ton of utility but fell in line with much of the competition. It had a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and an available hands-free liftgate for loading the rear cargo area. Behind the rear seats, it had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. When the front seat was folded down, it could accommodate items up to eight feet long.

Inside, the Encore GX offered available heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but seat ventilation was not available. The standard seats were two-way power-adjustable, with eight-way adjustable seats available on the top Avenir trim or with the Comfort package on lower trims. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also available.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) located on the center console. The TTI design robbed the center console of storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, SiriusXM satellite radio, a native navigation system, and AcuraLink connected services with a complimentary three-year subscription.

The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D high-end audio system featuring 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) showing navigation instructions, driving assistance status, current vehicle speed, and the posted speed limit. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX had an 11-inch touchscreen married to an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under one pane of glass. While it looked great initially, the screens had a lot of unused real estate. The Encore GX featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. An available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of what was behind the vehicle. The infotainment system was simple, with tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Acura MDX's traffic sign recognition system was part of Acura Watch, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed following capability, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX had good crash-test ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it an overall five-star rating.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with Buick’s Driver Confidence package, which included lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard. Rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. The Encore GX had unique safety features like Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The NHTSA gave it a full five-star overall safety rating, but the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the IIHS.