2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, making it difficult to distinguish between the two, especially in similar colors. Both models featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight and front fascia designs. The Encore GX, however, had a slightly longer wheelbase and additional length, which gave it a more balanced appearance compared to the shorter Encore. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers with red accents, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in the top Essence trim, providing a pleasant driving environment despite some minor ergonomic issues with the steering wheel controls.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's historical design cues, presenting a more modern but less distinctive look. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that didn't quite capture the SUV essence. The Sport Touring Package attempted to add flair with unique bumpers and a black mesh grille, but the changes were subtle. Inside, the top-trim Essence model featured leather upholstery and a range of power-adjustable seats, but the interior was dominated by plastic materials, reminding occupants of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panel design felt outdated, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a standout feature.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the Essence trim and optional on the lower trims. Front-wheel drive was standard across all trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter engine with CVT provided adequate power, though it was a bit noisy and harsh. The ride quality was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX shared the same engine options as its predecessor, with the 1.2-liter engine delivering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and the 1.3-liter engine offering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car offered decent acceleration, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style. The ride was comfortable, and the cabin was quiet, thanks to Buick's Quiet Tuning package. However, the driving experience was uninspiring, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and user-friendly experience. Ingress and egress were easy, and the controls were clearly marked and accessible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering flexibility for carrying larger items. The optional hands-free power liftgate added convenience, with adjustable height settings for ease of use.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the front seats were positioned close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Cargo space was respectable at 23.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A navigation system and Amazon Alexa capability were available on higher trims. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX also featured a standard eight-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a navigation system, head-up display, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The infotainment interface was consistent with other GM vehicles, offering easy navigation and attractive graphics. The screen size was adequate, fitting well within the dashboard design.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Teen Driver technology allowed for monitoring and setting limits for young drivers. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crash tests, with varying headlight ratings depending on the trim.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The 2023 model maintained the five-star NHTSA rating and "Good" IIHS crash test ratings, though it received an "Average" score for child-seat anchor ease of use.