2023 Lincoln Navigator 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. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle styling tweaks, the Encore GX's design remained unremarkable. Inside, the top-trim Essence model featured leather upholstery and other expected amenities, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its entry-level status. The dashboard and door panels had a dated, blob-like design, though the instrument cluster was a notable highlight.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained a more consistent design language. The triple-black Navigator Reserve model we tested featured black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim, giving it a sleek, monochromatic look. The interior was equally impressive, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents. Ambient lighting added character at night, and the overall cabin quality felt upscale. However, some chrome plastic switchgear detracted from the luxury feel.

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 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 decent acceleration but required a patient driving style to manage the turbocharged engine and nine-speed automatic. 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 Lincoln Navigator came with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The test vehicle had an EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined but averaged 15.6 mpg during our testing. The Navigator offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an additional Hill Climb mode available with the towing package. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to improve ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent. In Excite mode, the SUV felt more agile but at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek offered more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos provided 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. Small-item storage was well-executed, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view would have been appreciated.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for additional cargo space. Power-deploying running boards made entry and exit easier, and the 30-way Perfect Position front seats provided heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the numerous adjustments made it challenging to find the perfect seating position. Storage space was generous, with large trays and covered compartments to maintain a clean look. The extended-length Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured 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 intuitive menus. The 8-inch touchscreen was adequate for the dashboard design.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an available widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, understanding and responding to commands accurately. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided exceptional sound quality. The Lincoln Way app and Phone As A Key technology allowed for digital key functionality. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, however, was underutilized by our teenage passengers.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, 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 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, which included advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise allowed for hands-free driving on designated highways but required frequent driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.