2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and sportiness. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid identifiers. This understated elegance was contrasted by the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, complemented by luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior with artificial suede in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing a platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its coupe-like roofline, reminiscent of more expensive vehicles like the BMW X4. This design choice, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a sleek front-end with a split lighting design. The Envista's ST grade was marked by black trim and 18-inch wheels, while the Avenir trim boasted bright exterior accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Envista offered a more refined cabin than the Trax, with smoother surfaces and softer materials, though some textures felt cheap. The interior space was improved over the Encore, with increased legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sloping roofline.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, delivered a more exhilarating experience with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, generating 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but sacrificed fuel economy, averaging 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a joy to drive, though accessing its various drive modes required navigating the infotainment system.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While lacking an all-wheel-drive option, the Envista's powertrain was smooth and refined, offering adequate acceleration for highway merges. The Watts Link rear suspension on models with 19-inch wheels improved ride quality, though the rear end felt unsettled on uneven roads. Overall, the Envista provided a more premium feel than its Trax sibling, with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and space. The RX 350h Luxury model featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters. Both models had heated and ventilated front seats and effective climate control systems. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, though rear headroom was tight. Cargo space was generous, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing the previous RX 450h.

The 2024 Buick Envista benefited from its longer wheelbase, offering increased rear-seat legroom and shoulder room compared to the Encore. However, the coupe-like roofline reduced headroom, particularly in the second row. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided good visibility and maneuverability. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with them folded, less than the Trax and the old Encore.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface included cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant, though it had some quirks, such as limited screen views and reflection issues. The available head-up display with touch-sensing control pads was problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for climate and audio, though the layout favored the driver. Optional tech features were limited, with wireless phone charging available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction tech and driver monitoring system.

The 2024 Buick Envista's safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert were available, mirroring the Trax's offerings. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of testing.