Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle arrived in the top Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, despite being quiet on the road, was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and perceived lack of quality in materials and controls.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the Wildcat concept, featured a refreshed design with a new face, sleek daytime running lights, and angular LED lamps. The Avenir trim had a unique grille and chrome trim, with new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered vibrant color options, including red, blue, maroon, and Copper Ice Metallic, with some colors available with a black roof and mirrors. Inside, the biggest change was a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving a premium look. However, some cheap-feeling plastics were noted, and color options were limited to black or cream.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its power, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a noisy CVT.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its engine options from previous years, with a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. An optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided adequate acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about nine seconds, but highway passing required patience due to transmission delays. The Encore GX excelled as a city car with a smooth suspension and selectable AWD, though competitors offered more seamless AWD systems.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats in the test vehicle. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats, but the third row was cramped and uncomfortable. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was criticized for its complexity.

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. The front seat could also fold down to accommodate items up to eight feet long. Available features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with eight-way adjustable seats available on higher trims. The Encore GX offered a seven-speaker Bose audio system, but seat ventilation was not available.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The test vehicle also had a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The infotainment platform was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

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, the screen had unused space, creating a perception of malfunction. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The infotainment system was simple, with basic features like smartphone mirroring, climate control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Hybrids also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, with some challenges in specific scenarios. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX included the Driver Confidence package with 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 safety features included Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the 2024 model had not yet been rated by the IIHS.