2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, a significant improvement over the original Encore, which had been humorously nicknamed “the shoe.” The Encore GX featured well-proportioned lines and came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look. The vehicle offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The test model, an Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, lacked AWD but included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite its high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior quality was typical for its segment, though the design was less refined than the exterior. Some issues included hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, maintained a familiar yet distinct design with sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared a platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced than its Toyota counterpart. The F Sport Black Line test model featured a larger grille, dark-finish wheels, and a striking Grecian Water paint. The interior, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and minimal wood trim. The Black Line package added sporty elements like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery. However, the use of plastic switchgear and trim detracted from the luxury feel, making it comparable to mainstream brands.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine provided adequate power for highway cruising, though torque steer was noticeable with FWD. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, the Encore GX was not particularly quiet, and its ride quality varied from brittle to bouncy. The vehicle handled well on winding roads, but its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 28.2 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. The hybrid system included standard AWD, but acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The Black Line package’s sport-tuned suspension improved handling without sacrificing comfort. However, the steering was numb, and the NX felt less refined than newer models based on the TNGA platform. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, though the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was ample, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. The front seats offered excellent support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heating and ventilation. The sloping roofline and thick pillars reduced rear visibility, but the dashboard controls were easily accessible. Cargo space was limited to 16.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth for two devices, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation, voice recognition, and a surround-view camera. Despite the price, the test car lacked the Bose premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive input and intuitive controls.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated, with poor graphics and text-heavy menus. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, but the sound quality was lacking. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX included standard Buick Driver Confidence features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were available. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard for 2021.