2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Dodge Hornet

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 capture the high-riding SUV look popular in the market. 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 unless parked next to a standard Encore.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable seats. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding us that the Encore GX sits 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 2024 Dodge Hornet, despite not being a V8 muscle car, retained Dodge's distinctive styling. Its muscular front end, integrated heat extractors on the hood, and large grille openings gave it a tough look. The new Rhombi logo was prominently displayed, and the tail lamp extended across the width of the crossover, featuring an illuminated Rhomb at its center. Oversized tailpipes at the rear corners emphasized its performance-oriented nature.

The Hornet was available in four trim levels: GT, GT Plus, R/T, and R/T Plus. Our test vehicle, an R/T Plus with the Blacktop Package, featured black wheels, black mirror caps, and darker badging and window trim. Built alongside the Alfa Romeo Tonale, the Hornet shared visual similarities with its Italian sibling but maintained classic Dodge design elements. The interior, influenced by its Italian roots, felt modern and sporty, with Alcantara upholstery, a slightly tilted center stack, and physical switches for climate control. The steering wheel and seats, while stylish, had some drawbacks in terms of comfort and button design.

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 horsepower and 174 pound-feet 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 acceleration than expected, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The nine-speed automatic transmission could be caught in the wrong gear, making manual shifting less ideal. 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 2024 Dodge Hornet offered different powertrains for its GT and R/T trim levels. The GT featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GT's engine required premium fuel, increasing daily running costs.

Our R/T test vehicle was a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 15.5-kWh battery, and two electric motors, producing a combined 288 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The R/T used a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric AWD system. Despite its extra weight, the R/T was quick, with a heavy pedal and impressive acceleration. The suspension balanced comfort and handling, while the steering was accurate but heavy. The R/T's all-electric driving range of roughly 30 miles was a notable feature, with different driving modes to optimize battery use.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Subaru Crosstrek. However, the Subaru provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear legroom. 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, which was respectable but less than the Seltos.

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. Instrumentation was clear and well-placed, with useful features like the engine start/stop notification within the tachometer and a pedestrian-detection warning light.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet prioritized front passenger comfort, with good headroom and visibility. However, the back seat felt cramped due to the high beltline and all-black interior. Despite having roughly 38 inches of legroom and headroom, the rear seat felt claustrophobic. The R/T's PHEV battery reduced cargo capacity, offering 22.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 50.5 cubic feet with the seat folded, compared to the GT's 27 and 54.7 cubic feet, respectively. Both fell short of the Hyundai Tucson PHEV's cargo space.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 interface was user-friendly, with clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2024 Dodge Hornet boasted a best-in-class 12.3-inch digital driver information display and a 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display. The UConnect 5 system was user-friendly and customizable, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Our test vehicle featured a premium Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless phone charger. The system occasionally lagged, but overall, it was impressive and easy to personalize.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, 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 2024 Dodge Hornet had not yet been evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Tech Pack added level 2 autonomous driving functions, including intelligent speed assist and lane-tracing assist.