2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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 sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added different 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 expected features like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, the abundance of plastic reminded us that this model sat at the bottom of Buick's hierarchy. While fit and finish were commendable, the uninspired dashboard and door panel design harkened back to the worst of 1990s automotive aesthetics. The instrument cluster, with its two round binnacles and small digital display, was the only standout feature.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design. New wheel designs and colors, along with a rear VW logo that lit up, were also introduced. Despite these changes, the ID.4 did not look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to the SUV segment's rugged appeal.

The ID.4's interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline models, featuring a minimalist design and a sense of quality. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, did not feel like a significant downgrade from the higher-level Pro S trim. Standard leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts added a touch of eco-friendliness. Small changes for 2023, like a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot, improved functionality.

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 only with the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured 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 nine-speed automatic transmission often found itself in the wrong gear, making manual shifting less than ideal. However, the Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. Despite these strengths, the Encore GX felt ponderous and awkward, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with rear-wheel drive. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims retained the 82-kWh battery pack, with both RWD and AWD options. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The 62-kWh ID.4 Standard felt spritely during a short drive, though more seat time was needed for a proper comparison with the larger-battery version. The AWD ID.4 offered hot hatchback-like acceleration but lacked the handling prowess, allowing too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for EV newcomers.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Subaru 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, topping the Kona and CX-30.

Despite its compact size, the Encore GX featured large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The front seats, though well-cushioned, lacked thigh support and were placed too close together, eroding the sense of spaciousness. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view was missing.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. With 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, the ID.4 outclassed most entry-level EVs in practicality, though it fell short compared to gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The ID.4 also offered some towing capability, with RWD models rated at 2,200 pounds and AWD models at 2,700 pounds. Small interior changes for 2023, such as a conventional lid for the center console and a better phone storage spot, improved functionality. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats were also available.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 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 interface was user-friendly, with graphics that looked nicer than many competitors' systems.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the formerly optional 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster also continued as a standard feature.

Despite the updates, the user experience remained largely unchanged, with sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, however, were still a drawback, lacking physical feedback and being distracting to use. The ID.Light feature, which changed color based on drive mode and provided navigation cues, was a clever but easily overlooked addition.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver-assist features like 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in the rollover category. It was also an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top "Good" ratings in all crash tests and an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The only blemish was an "Average" score for the standard headlights.

Standard driver-assist features on the ID.4 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. For 2023, the ID.4 added standard Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.