2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 included different front and rear bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, rocker and body-side moldings, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim featured leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, the interior was dominated by plastic bits, reminding us of its position at the bottom of Buick’s model hierarchy. The fit and finish were good, but the design was uninspired, with a blob-like dashboard and door panels reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster, with its two round binnacles and small digital display, was the only standout feature.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant departure from Volvo's past boxy designs. Its purposeful yet understated front end, assertive grille, and modern "Thor’s Hammer" headlights gave it a contemporary flair. The XC90's dimensions and shape leaned toward rectilinear but were far from the toaster-like designs of the past.

Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels and Platinum Gray paint with brown undertones, adding richness and depth. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with two-tone leather, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist design, complemented by wood deco inlays, created a clean and beautiful look, though it lacked ample cubby space for smaller items.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Our 1.3-liter AWD test car provided stronger-than-expected acceleration, but power delivery was not smooth. The nine-speed automatic transmission often felt caught out several gears too high. 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 situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

For 2023, Volvo replaced its older turbocharged 2.0-liter engines with new B5 and B6 engines featuring mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test car had the B6 powertrain, which combined a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech to deliver 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.

The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the gains were minimal. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the vehicle handled corners better than expected for its size. Road and wind noise were minimal, and the brakes provided a solid pedal feel. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable but reserved, with limited customizable driving dynamics.

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 back-seat space and cargo capacity. The Encore GX had 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The front seats were placed far inboard, 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. Instrumentation was clear and well-placed, though we wished for a hard button for the 360-degree camera view.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats provided a peaceful and pleasant experience, but the minimalist design led to limited cubby space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be changed to six-passenger seating with captain’s chairs, but this required an upgrade to the B6 engine and an additional cost.

The third row was difficult to access and offered limited space. With the third row in place, the XC90 provided 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. This fell short of competitors like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, Genesis GV80, and Acura MDX. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a smaller car than typical three-row SUVs.

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 infotainment system was easy to use, with clear graphics and a well-sized touchscreen.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen running Google OS, the first standard infotainment system of its kind. Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant were integrated, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. Commands could also be issued via Google Home devices. However, many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons and redundant controls, making some features less intuitive.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included 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 NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance from the car ahead and helped keep the vehicle in its lane. These features worked well even in challenging conditions, such as Boston traffic.