Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a longer, wider stance, it was unmistakably different from the 2021 model. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its dramatic grille and futuristic lighting elements, which could either captivate or alienate potential buyers. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with a sleek, hoodless driver information display that was both modern and prone to dust accumulation. The interior was well-equipped across trims, with features like heated front seats and a proximity key as standard, while higher trims added luxury touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX broke away from Buick's historical design cues, opting for a more contemporary look that some found awkward. The rounded surfaces and tall stance did not convey the rugged SUV aesthetic that many buyers sought. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with subtle exterior enhancements, but the differences were minimal. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior design felt reminiscent of outdated styles. The dashboard and door panels lacked excitement, though the instrument cluster was a standout feature with its clear and informative layout.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its performance, particularly when compared to its gas-powered counterpart. Equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor, the Tucson Hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably quicker. The six-speed automatic transmission performed admirably, and the responsive steering and outstanding suspension provided a balanced and comfortable ride. Fuel economy was commendable, with the EPA rating the Tucson Hybrid at 37 mpg city and 36 highway, a significant improvement over the gas model.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower. The Encore GX's AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which, while providing a pleasant engine note, required a patient driving style to manage power delivery smoothly. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, the driving experience was marred by slow steering and significant body roll, making it feel less agile than desired.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive interior space, with 38.8 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was more than competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4. The Tucson also provided excellent legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the dual-level cargo floor added versatility. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and ambient lighting enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Encore GX's cargo space was less generous, offering 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned closely together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these drawbacks, the Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-saving wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a premium Bose stereo, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. Optional features included a head-up display and an eight-speaker Bose audio system, though rear-seat passengers lacked USB ports.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot collision avoidance. The Limited trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring were available through option packages. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2022.