2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested it was built for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and disappointment, with heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but also a surprising amount of plastic material.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the 2022 Wildcat concept, featured a refreshed design with sleek daytime running lights above the grille and angular LED lamps flanking it. The new Buick logo and unique grille on the Avenir trim added to its appeal. The rear saw minor changes, with new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered vibrant color options, including brilliant red, deep blue, and Copper Ice Metallic, with some colors available with a black roof, mirrors, and roof rails. Inside, the biggest change was the new 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving it a premium look despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power rise and a distinctive sound. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Its weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The GX featured a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, distributing power in a 40:60 front:rear split, adjustable based on wheel slip, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its engine options from previous years. The base Preferred trim had a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. All trims could be upgraded to a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided responsive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds, though highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The Encore GX excelled as a city car with a smooth-riding suspension and a selectable AWD system, though it lacked the automatic AWD engagement found in some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a three-across bench seat option. The third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. Folding the front seat allowed for items up to eight feet long. The Encore GX featured available heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though seat ventilation was not offered. Standard seats were two-way power-adjustable, with eight-way adjustable seats available on the top Avenir trim or through the Comfort package. An available seven-speaker Bose audio system added to the interior's appeal.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was a significant improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as competitors. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one pane of glass. While visually appealing, the screens had a lot of unused real estate. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear. The infotainment system was simple, with tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, but lacked advanced features like Amazon Alexa or Google built-in.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year, lacking some modern structural safety improvements. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older body, the GX had newer safety technology.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick’s Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard. Optional features included rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Unique safety features included Teen Driver, which recorded driving habits, and Buckle to Drive, preventing the car from shifting out of park without the driver’s seat belt fastened. The NHTSA gave the Encore GX a five-star overall safety rating, with high marks in frontal and side crash ratings.