2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Jeep Compass

The 2023 Jeep Compass presented a more refined and upscale appearance, moving away from the rugged design ethos traditionally associated with Jeep. It featured a sophisticated exterior with new 17-inch wheel designs for the Sport and Latitude models, and gloss black wheels for the Trailhawk. The Compass lineup included various trims, from the base Sport to the off-road-ready Trailhawk, with prices ranging from just under $32,000 to over $40,000. Our test vehicle, a Limited trim with several optional packages, had a sticker price of $45,800. The interior boasted a two-tone black and gray cabin with caramel accents, sophisticated digital displays, and metallic trim, giving it a premium feel. However, the high price point made it less competitive in the small SUV segment.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the Wildcat concept, showcased a refreshed design with a new face, sleek daytime running lights, and angular LED lamps. The Avenir trim featured a unique grille and chrome trim, while the rear received new LED tail lights. The Encore GX offered a range of vibrant colors, including brilliant red and Copper Ice Metallic, with options for a black roof and mirrors. Inside, the most significant change was a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a premium look. However, some cheap-feeling plastics were present, and color options were limited to black or cream. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX was considered one of the best-looking Buick models in recent years.

The 2023 Jeep Compass finally addressed its long-standing powertrain issues with a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Jeep Active Drive AWD, offered improved performance. The Trailhawk version featured a Jeep Active Drive Low AWD system with a 20:1 crawl ratio, Rock driving mode, and enhanced off-road capabilities. Despite these improvements, the engine prioritized fuel economy over power, resulting in a combined EPA rating of 27 mpg. The Compass delivered a more enjoyable driving experience than previous models, but its tall and narrow design led to significant body motions on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine offering 155 horsepower. The latter was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing adequate acceleration but lacking quickness. The Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth-riding suspension and a selectable AWD system. However, highway passing required patience due to the transmission's reluctance to downshift. While not a performance powerhouse, the Encore GX offered a comfortable and controlled ride, making it suitable for urban environments.

The 2023 Jeep Compass provided a spacious interior with seating for adults in both rows. Standard features included an air filtration system and available dual-zone climate control. Higher trims offered leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. The Compass boasted 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was adequate, though the center armrest bin was small. The Compass aimed to deliver a luxury SUV experience, but some hard plastic surfaces detracted from its overall comfort.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but remained competitive within its segment. It featured 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Available features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though seat ventilation was not offered. The top Avenir trim provided eight-way power-adjustable seats, while lower trims required the Comfort package for this option. The Encore GX prioritized comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2023 Jeep Compass came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM services, with over-the-air updates to keep the system current. Depending on the trim, a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, navigation, and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system were available. The Limited trim included a parking assist system and a surround-view camera, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, housed under a single glass panel. While visually appealing, the screen's unused real estate was noticeable. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB ports and a wireless charging pad. A rear camera mirror provided a wider view of the surroundings. The Encore GX's infotainment system was straightforward, focusing on essential functions like smartphone mirroring and climate control.

The 2023 Jeep Compass added a drowsy driver detection system and rear-seat reminder for 2023. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Available upgrades included adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous Highway Assist system. The Compass had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with the Driver Confidence package, offering lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, 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, enhancing safety for young drivers. The NHTSA awarded the Encore GX a five-star overall safety rating, while the 2023 model received high marks from IIHS for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.