2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a styling that lacked the brand's traditional flair. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal that many buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels, reminiscent of 1990s design, lacked interest, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, successfully established itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The Luxury trim test model featured striking 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX 350, the likely volume seller, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. Our test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, included a range of features like a 21-speaker surround-sound system and a panoramic glass sunroof. Despite the dark interior, the TX 350 Luxury model's cabin exuded enough luxury to justify the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a standard 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. FWD was standard, with AWD 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, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, but our testing averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance of road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though our test car's brake pedal felt too soft, it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, reducing 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, though a button for the 360-degree camera view was missed.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a habitable third-row seat suitable for adults. Our TX 350 Luxury model featured premium upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was comfortable but lacked a massage function. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support and visibility, with 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 57.4 cubic feet, and with the second-row seats down, the TX offered an impressive 97 cubic feet. The TX included numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a 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 user-friendly, with graphics that surpassed many competitors. Despite the small screen size, it was well-integrated into the dashboard.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked ones, causing distraction. The head-up display was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional safety 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 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, though no higher-speed system was available. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.