2021 Toyota Highlander 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” by GM insiders. The Encore GX offered a sleek exterior with no awkward proportions, available in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence. Buyers could opt for the Sport Touring package for a sportier look. The SUV provided choices between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The interior, while offering expected quality, had some drawbacks, such as hard-to-read gauges and a vibrating head-up display.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a bold design with a distinctive front end and floating roof appearance. Its styling was polarizing but aimed to remain unique over time. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with a hybrid powertrain option. The interior offered upscale features like leather upholstery and a large touchscreen infotainment system. However, the cabin had some drawbacks, such as a loud instrument-panel shroud and reflections on the screen. Despite these issues, the Highlander Hybrid maintained a sense of quality and comfort.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The latter provided better performance, especially for highway driving, though it was described as adequate rather than exciting. The Encore GX had a CVT for FWD models and a nine-speed automatic for AWD versions. Despite efforts to reduce noise, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet, and the ride quality varied depending on road conditions. The Encore GX excelled on winding roads, offering nimble handling and decent tire grip.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 243 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. It achieved 36 mpg in combined driving, though it lacked the power and driving excitement of the previous V6 model. The Highlander Hybrid's steering was lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it performed well on smooth roads and offered a quiet, comfortable ride on the freeway. The hybrid system provided immediate torque for city driving, but the overall driving experience was less engaging.

Inside the 2021 Buick Encore GX, the front seats were supportive but lacked lateral bolstering. The rear seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and support. The Encore GX offered good interior storage, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The fold-flat front passenger seat was a practical feature for carrying long items.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided spacious and comfortable seating for front passengers, with heated and ventilated options. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger blocked access to the center storage bin.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included Bluetooth for two devices, a WiFi hotspot, and steering wheel-mounted controls. The Advanced Technology Package added navigation and a surround-view camera. Despite the added features, the test model lacked the Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response and intuitive controls.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with a comprehensive infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. It offered connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system, however, had mixed audio quality. Additional features included Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with Buick Driver Confidence, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Blind-spot monitoring was standard on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control was available. The Encore GX earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but lacked IIHS testing.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring was standard from the LE trim, with additional safety features on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.