2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 aesthetic that has become popular. Even with the Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like a black mesh grille and two-tone wheels, the Encore GX's design remained understated. Inside, the top-trim Essence model offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior's plastic elements reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels evoked a dated 1990s design, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a modernist and reductive design philosophy, emphasizing clean and simple lines. While it lacked flashy factory options, the test vehicle's Eiger Gray paint and silver wheels exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and black trim, created a sophisticated ambiance. The Range Rover Sport offered a range of specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 model featuring heated and ventilated seats, a Cold Climate Pack, and a Technology Pack. Its design highlights included slim LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and advanced aerodynamics, contributing to a refined and high-tech appearance.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the standard 1.2-liter engine producing 137 horsepower and the optional 1.3-liter engine delivering 155 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, while all-wheel drive was available with the 1.3-liter engine. The test vehicle, equipped with the 1.3-liter AWD, provided a stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not always smooth. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, its driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and lifeless steering.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower in the SE Dynamic model. A plug-in hybrid option was also available, providing 434 horsepower and an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like Terrain Response and a wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, it delivered a smooth and quiet ride, though it fell short of sport-tuned competitors in dynamic handling. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were not as refined as expected, particularly on curvy roads.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, front legroom was slightly less than the Subaru Crosstrek, and cargo space was respectable at 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The front seats were positioned close together, affecting comfort, but small-item storage was well-executed. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, though a 360-degree camera button was notably absent.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier access, and the front seats were comfortable with 20-way adjustments and optional massage features. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, and narrow door openings posed challenges. Cargo space was generous at 31.9 cubic feet, with controls to lower the air suspension for easier loading. The cabin offered decent storage, though some compartments were less practical.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, head-up display, and Bose audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics, though the screen size was modest.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. However, the Pivi Pro system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with challenges in accessing features and using the digital assistant. The Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation were highlights, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced driving assistance systems such as forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist systems were less refined than expected, particularly on curvy roads.