2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history. Its rounded exterior surfaces and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV look popular in the market. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared side-by-side with a standard Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, the abundance of plastic materials reminded us that this model sat at the bottom of Buick's hierarchy. While fit and finish were commendable, the interior design felt uninspired, reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster, with its two round binnacles and small digital display, was the only standout feature.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while adding over a foot in length. Our Hydro Blue test model, equipped with the High Altitude package, featured blacked-out elements and dark gray 21-inch wheels, giving it a bold appearance. The U-shaped fenders, square greenhouse, and modern touches like slim LED lighting and body-color bumpers created a clean, timeless look.

Upper trims of the Grand Cherokee L boasted impressive interiors. While not every material was top-tier, 90 percent felt justified for a $70,000 vehicle. The polished black dash, optional touchscreen, and well-damped controls added to the luxurious feel. The diamond-patterned stitching and aluminum speaker grilles further enhanced the classy ambiance. Lower trims still offered a significantly better look and feel compared to competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft. 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 had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our 1.3-liter AWD test car provided stronger-than-expected acceleration, but power delivery was not smooth. The nine-speed automatic often lagged, requiring a patient driving approach. 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 and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was its weakest link. The engine felt outdated and underpowered for the heavy SUV. The optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, was a better choice, especially for towing, with a max rating of 7,200 pounds. Fuel economy for the V6 was 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8's ratings were 14/22/17.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, especially with the air suspension, which allowed for smooth cornering and a pliable ride. The steering could have been quicker, but overall, the handling was top-notch. Jeep offered three 4WD systems, with the most advanced being Quadra-Drive II, which included a low-range transfer case and limited-slip differential. The air suspension allowed for up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, making the Grand Cherokee L a capable off-roader.

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 legroom and cargo space. The Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The front seats were placed close together, reducing the feeling of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. However, Buick made good use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for easy use.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's added length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, making it feel cavernous. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a 60/40 bench seat available as an option. The third row was best suited for children. The driver's seat offered good visibility, and the dashboard featured two rows of buttons for easy access to various controls.

Cargo space was ample, with 17 cubic feet behind the third row, 47 cubic feet behind the second row, and 85 cubic feet with both rows folded. This max cargo space was among the best in its class, significantly larger than the standard Grand Cherokee's 71 cubic feet.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included built-in navigation, 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 interface was user-friendly, with clear graphics and menu layouts.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's lower trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while upper trims had a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was quick and easy to use despite some legibility issues. The McIntosh sound system, with 19 speakers, was available as a standalone option on upper trims. The Grand Cherokee L also offered night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and activate cameras.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system, and a rearview camera mirror. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, rear emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking, a backup camera washer, 360-degree cameras, and night vision.