2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Land Rover Defender

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's past nor forge a new path. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that has drawn many buyers to this segment. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the Encore GX's appearance remained understated. Inside, the top-trim Essence model offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design, with its blob-like dashboard and door panels, harkened back to less favorable 1990s automotive aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern touches like angular headlights, linking it visually to other Land Rover models. The interior diverged from this modernity, emphasizing durability and adventure-readiness akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, yet with more soft-touch materials. Offered in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender catered to various needs, with trims ranging from the S to the Carpathian Edition. Our test of the Defender 110 S, equipped with the County visual package, highlighted its retro appeal with white wheels and vintage graphics. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a panoramic glass roof, with options for premium leather and additional climate control features. The Defender's interior struck a balance between luxury and functionality, with practical elements like grip handles and rubberized floors enhancing its rugged charm.

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 an optional 1.3-liter engine delivering 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 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our 1.3-liter AWD test car provided stronger acceleration than expected, though power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to maximize performance. 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 steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the P300, producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Our P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, delivering 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged 5.0-liter V8 options, the P500 and P525, offered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time active 4WD. The Defender excelled in towing, with the six-cylinder and eight-cylinder models capable of towing up to 7,716 pounds. The P400 test model provided ample power for highway speeds, though off-road-optimized gearing caused slight lurches at low speeds. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 enhancing its trail performance.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos provided more rear legroom and cargo space. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance, though a button for the 360-degree camera view was missed.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender blended luxury and functionality, featuring soft-touch materials alongside practical elements like grip handles and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children, while the Defender 130 accommodated up to eight passengers. Cargo capacity depended on the model, with the Defender 130 providing up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet in its two-row version, while the Defender 90 provided up to 58.3 cubic feet. The cargo area featured hard plastic surfaces, enhancing practicality and ease of cleaning.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional navigation, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors, though the 8-inch screen was small by current standards.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender featured a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system. The straightforward setup complemented the Defender's utilitarian persona, with home buttons aiding navigation through features like Apple CarPlay.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, though it scored "Average" for child-seat anchor ease of use.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered extensive standard safety features, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree parking camera system. However, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for high-end vehicles.