2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that lacked the brand's traditional flair. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal that has drawn many buyers to this segment. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded drivers of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, evoked memories of less appealing 1990s automotive styles, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim's 22-inch alloy wheels and matte Brunswick Green paint added to its elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats and a dash split by thin air vents, complemented by metal and matte wood trim, created a luxurious atmosphere. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the unique two-spoke steering wheel set it apart from other luxury brands. The spacious and luxurious interior was slightly marred by the 14.5-inch infotainment screen, which seemed awkwardly placed atop the dash, but overall, the GV80 provided a refined environment.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a standard 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter engine with 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car delivered stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation, but it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, available only in AWD, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, with a 0-60 mph time of around five and a half seconds, the GV80 excelled at highway driving. Its smooth power delivery and electronically controlled suspension, which adjusted to road conditions, provided a serene driving experience. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the quietness of highway commutes, though the GV80's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. The Encore GX's cargo space was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded, though the Seltos surpassed it. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, 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, though a 360-degree camera button was missed.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats and an Ergo Motion driver's seat available. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third row was optional, though with limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key option. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the comfort, while the suede headliner and panoramic glass roof enhanced the luxury feel. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with seats folded, plus a 6,000-pound towing capacity.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface, similar to other GM vehicles, was user-friendly with attractive graphics. Despite the small size of the touchscreen, it was well-integrated into the dashboard.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, with a head-up display projecting information into the driver's view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control, though tactile, was cumbersome. The system included handwriting recognition, but the menu structure was inconsistent. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly, and the GV80 offered wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the car to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, 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 scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Unique to the GV80 was a blind spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist, which used multiple systems to aid driving on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated "Acceptable."