2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2023 Buick Encore GX did not reflect Buick's storied design history, such as the iconic 1938 Y-Job. Its styling was a departure from the past without forging a new path, resulting in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal. The optional Sport Touring Package added subtle enhancements, but the differences were barely noticeable unless compared side-by-side with a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded us of its entry-level status within Buick's lineup. The interior design was uninspired, with a dashboard and door panels reminiscent of outdated 1990s aesthetics, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser embraced its iconic status with a boxy design and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each trim level featured heritage-inspired details, such as the "TOYOTA" grille and round or rectangular headlights, paying homage to past models. The Land Cruiser combined classic elements with modern LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights. The interior offered a blend of comfort and functionality, with heated seats across all trims and a Premium Package adding features like a moonroof and ventilated seats. The cabin design echoed Toyota's truck lineup, emphasizing comfort with cushy seats and contrast stitching, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, while the optional 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for the 1.3-liter engine. The FWD models used a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3-liter AWD test car provided stronger acceleration than expected, but power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to maximize performance. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward, with slow steering and significant body roll.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo, enhancing off-road capability. The Land Cruiser included standard rear- and center-locking differentials, with a push-button disconnect for the front sway bar on higher trims. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for precise off-road navigation, operating silently to enhance the driving experience.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Subaru Crosstrek provided more front legroom, and the Kia Seltos offered more rear-seat space. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 23.5 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 50.2 cubic feet with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite limited cabin size, Buick maximized small-item storage with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless phone charger. Instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, featured two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, with hard controls for climate and media conveniently placed. The cargo area offered 37.5 cubic feet of space, with a raised load floor and a rubber mat for easy cleaning. The trunk included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in higher trims, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics, though the screen size was modest by current standards.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. The system activated automatically at low speeds, aiding off-road navigation. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota's safety reputation provided confidence. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features were comprehensive, enhancing driver confidence.