2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, despite Buick's storied design history, did not carry forward any of the brand's classic styling cues. The vehicle's rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV look that has become popular. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added unique bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable without a direct comparison to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery and other high-end features, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a dated, blob-like design, though the instrument cluster with its outward-pointing binnacles was a standout feature.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a functional, no-nonsense design that prioritized utility over aesthetics. The Forester's boxy shape and practical features, such as robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating for rooftop tents, made it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Touring trim added upscale touches like 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a more refined atmosphere. The Forester's interior was designed for practicality, with excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and a user-friendly control layout. However, the panoramic sunroof's insufficient tinting and the overly reclined rear seat backrests were minor drawbacks.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and a 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 continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our 1.3-liter AWD test car provided decent acceleration, but power delivery was not smooth, and the nine-speed automatic could be slow to respond. 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 in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for quicker responses, and most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system. The Forester Wilderness trim added even more off-road capability. Our Forester Touring test vehicle handled various weather conditions with ease, including flooded roads and muddy trails. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics impressed with a comfortable yet communicative ride, responsive steering, and effective brakes. While the engine was merely adequate, the Forester's excellent handling and ride quality made up for it. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, and a turbocharged engine option would have been appreciated.

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 capacity was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats 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, with well-placed hard buttons for essential functions.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a practical and straightforward design. The Premium trim offered features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and well-sealed doors contributed to its practicality. However, the panoramic sunroof's insufficient tinting and the overly reclined rear seat backrests were minor drawbacks. The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, with hooks, tie-downs, and hidden storage. It offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (28.9 cubic feet in the Base trim) and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded (74.2 cubic feet in the Base trim).

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional upgrades included a navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech features 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 an intuitive layout. However, back-seat passengers did not have access to USB ports.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen was available, along with a navigation system and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was nearly useless, often misunderstanding commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were more reliable options.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a Teen Driver system. Optional safety 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 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering, Rear Automatic Braking, and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester's safety systems generally performed well, though the Rear Automatic Braking system could be overly sensitive. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.