2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the high-riding SUV aesthetic popular in the market. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included different bumpers, a black mesh grille with red inserts, and 18-inch wheels, the changes were subtle and barely noticeable without a direct comparison to a standard model.

Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. However, the extensive use of plastic reminded us that it was still at the bottom of Buick's model hierarchy. The fit and finish were commendable, 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 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, on the other hand, was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, each with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for 32 miles of electric-only range and an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 Recharge T8 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds.

Our test vehicle, an Ultimate trim with seven-passenger seating, included the Lounge Package, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch. The MSRP was $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior featured a subdued and earthy paint palette, with wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials like wool-blend upholstery, ventilated Nappa leather, and natural wood trim. The Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of class, and Volvo offered extensive customization options for paint, wheels, and upholstery.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a standard 1.2-liter producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 1.3-liter engine making 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) 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 several gears too high, 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, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. The battery allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an estimated 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about five seconds. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than six hours with a 240-volt, 16-amp outlet.

The XC90 offered multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. During testing, the XC90 provided 28 miles of electric range in Pure mode and 24.5 mpg in combined driving. The SUV excelled in everyday use, with the battery preserving electricity for near-to-home trips. However, as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, electric performance waned, requiring gentle accelerator use to avoid the gas engine kicking in.

The XC90 Recharge T8 was quick and powerful, with a lively powertrain and good engine sound. However, it was not a performance SUV, with handling that lacked thrill and a firm ride on irregular pavement. The 21-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension did not fully mitigate the aging vehicle architecture's shimmy and shake. The steering was not sharp or communicative, and the brakes faded during prolonged use in hot conditions.

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. 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, topping the Kona and CX-30.

The front seats were placed far inboard, squeezing the driver and front passenger together and reducing the feeling of spaciousness. The seats lacked thigh support, making them less comfortable. However, the Encore GX made good use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets, a center-console tray, and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and upgraded interior lighting.

The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their winged shape could catch on shorts when entering the SUV. Once inside, the XC90 was exceptionally comfortable, with a commanding driving position and good sightlines. The climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day, but the XC90's seating for seven or six with captain's chairs was comfortable, with individual climate zones and heating for the second row. The third-row seat was tight for adults but more accommodating than expected.

Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat dropped.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display, with optional built-in navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, 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 interface was easy to use, with graphics that looked nicer than many competitors'. The 8-inch touchscreen was small by current standards but fit well within the dashboard.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 had a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard, with optional 14-speaker Harman Kardon and 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio systems. The 9-inch touchscreen was small but intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons for ease of use.

The XC90's digital voice assistant, Google Assistant, provided a generally rewarding experience, though it sometimes required different prompts for desired actions. The 12-inch digital instrumentation panel had controls and displays that were not always intuitive, and a head-up display and surround-view camera were available.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assist features, including 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 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. The XC90 included standard safety features like Pilot Assist, which paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. However, it lacked innovative ADAS features and a hands-free driving assistance system. Pilot Assist worked smoothly overall but made a substantial error during testing, shaking our confidence in the technology.