2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV appeal. 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 side-by-side with a standard model. Inside, the top-trim Essence model featured leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels had a dated, blob-like design, though the instrument cluster with its outward-pointing binnacles was a standout feature.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue received its first major styling update since its 2021 launch. The new, larger grille and stack headlights gave it a distinctive look, while the redesigned taillight elements and satin-finish badging added subtle refinements. The Rogue SV got new 18-inch wheels, and the Platinum model featured 19-inch machined-finish wheels and more black exterior trim. Inside, the Rogue Platinum boasted a premium feel with leather seats, quilted stitching, and a new Chestnut brown color option. The dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the overall upscale interior design.

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 a 1.3-liter engine making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional 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 decent acceleration but required patience to get the most out of the engine. The ride was comfortable and quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package, but the steering felt slow and lifeless, and the suspension allowed for significant body roll.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the CVT transmission was slow to transfer power to the wheels, diminishing the engine's impressive performance. The Rogue's suspension felt firmer than expected, compromising ride quality without improving handling. While the engine's performance was commendable, the droning exhaust note was less appealing.

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 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. 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. The instrumentation was clear and user-friendly, though a dedicated button for the 360-degree camera view was missing.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue provided nearly identical passenger space to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with slight differences in legroom. The Rogue offered 36.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with them folded, less than the CR-V and Tucson but more than the Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the cargo area included a molded space for grocery bags. The center console featured a pass-through space and a storage tray at floor level, though accessing it was awkward.

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 clear graphics and easy-to-navigate menus, though the 8-inch touchscreen was small by current standards.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered an 8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Amazon Alexa, and Google built-in apps. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly with the infotainment system. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup was a significant improvement, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue also included multiple USB ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, offering features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with 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 Nissan Rogue received top "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist, which added automated lane centering for highway driving. The advanced version of ProPilot Assist, available on SL and Platinum trims, used the navigation system to help slow for curves and interchanges.