2023 Kia Telluride 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 convey the high-riding SUV look that buyers typically seek. 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 parked next to a standard model.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats. However, the abundance of plastic materials reminded us that this model sits 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 was a notable exception, with its two round binnacles and small digital display.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly the X-Line and X-Pro models, featured fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colors like Midnight Lake Blue and interior colors such as Terracotta and Navy added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering a raised suspension, unique grille design, and black 20-inch wheels. The X-Pro went further with exclusive 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road look.

Inside, the Telluride's updates were more subtle but impactful. The new digital instrumentation panel and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushed the Telluride into the future. Other changes included new interior colors, minor trim updates, and a redesigned steering wheel. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured their names embossed on the front seatbacks, adding a touch of exclusivity.

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 of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our 1.3-liter AWD test car felt stronger than its specs suggested, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with AWD models featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The V6 provided ample power, and we averaged 24.1 mpg in the X-Line and 20.4 mpg in the X-Pro, which included off-roading.

Kia raised the suspension by 10mm, increased ground clearance to 8.4 inches, and improved approach and departure angles for the X-Line and X-Pro. The X-Pro also featured 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an improved cooling system, increasing towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride performed well off-road and offered a smooth, quiet ride on highways, with only minor issues like squishy handling in turns due to the all-terrain tires.

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, the Encore GX 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 information displays and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the second-row seating configuration. Our test vehicles featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row captain’s chairs. The second row was comfortable, with manual side-window sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets.

The Telluride offered ample cargo space, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. A “smart” power tailgate with proximity-sensing made loading easy, and new for 2023 was an automatic closing function. Overall, the Telluride provided generous storage and passenger space, making it a practical choice for families.

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

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and Kia Connect services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The voice recognition system performed well, though it did not control the climate system. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some vehicle functions, and over-the-air updates kept the system current.

Upgrades included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and new digital-key technology. The Telluride also offered a Full Display Mirror, a larger head-up display, and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. Standard features like Driver Talk and Quiet Mode enhanced convenience, making the Telluride’s tech suite comprehensive and user-friendly.

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 was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick and received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests and a four-star rating in the rollover category.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and Safe Exit Assist.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, Highway Drive Assist 1.5, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were also standard. Higher trims added features like Highway Drive Assist 2.0, front parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, surround-view camera, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The Telluride’s safety systems worked well in real-world conditions, providing confidence and peace of mind.