2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape showcased a departure from its earlier rugged, boxy design, embracing a more European aesthetic. This model featured a refreshed front end with a traditional grille and a stylish LED light bar, giving it a more upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. The ST-Line Elite trim, which was tested, sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, enhancing its sleek design. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat provided excellent long-distance driving comfort. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the Wildcat concept, presented a striking new face with sleek daytime running lights and angular LED lamps. The Avenir trim, tested, featured a unique grille and chrome trim, with new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered a vibrant color palette, including options like Copper Ice Metallic, with the possibility of a black roof and mirrors. Inside, the most notable change was the 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a premium look. However, the interior had some cheap-feeling plastics, and color options were limited to black or cream. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX maintained a stylish and modern appearance.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either FWD or AWD. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite its impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual control. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, with the base Preferred trim featuring a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. All trims could be upgraded to a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX accelerated to 60 mph in about nine seconds, though highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The suspension provided a smooth ride, and the selectable AWD system allowed for fuel-saving control. However, competitors offered automatic AWD systems that required no driver intervention.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics, including a well-positioned steering wheel and armrests. The head-up display was easy to adjust, but the Escape fell short in cargo space compared to segment leaders. It offered 37.5 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it suitable for daily use but potentially cramped for larger loads. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than competitors, though headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but was competitive within its class. It could tow up to 1,000 pounds and featured an available hands-free liftgate. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Inside, heated seats and a heated steering wheel were available, though seat ventilation was not. Standard seats were two-way power adjustable, with eight-way seats available on higher trims or through a package. A seven-speaker Bose audio system was also an option.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite and Platinum. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and was well-organized, with easy navigation between features like Android Auto and the native navigation system. However, Sync 4 was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the system's feature set and layout were commendable.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, much of the screen space was unused, creating a sense of wasted real estate. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The rear camera mirror provided a wider view of the rear, and the infotainment system was simple, focusing on essential functions like smartphone mirroring and climate control.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. However, the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, offering lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional features like rear park assist and adaptive cruise control were optional. Unique to the Encore GX were the Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive features, providing parental controls and seatbelt enforcement. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, though the IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 model. The 2023 model received Good and Superior ratings in crashworthiness and front crash prevention, respectively.