2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vehicle's face featured vertical light bars with nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille, adorned with lighting effects, varied between trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The LYRIQ's design was further enhanced by thin, deployable door handles and wraparound taillights that defined its shoulder line. Inside, Cadillac paid meticulous attention to detail, with leather-wrapped seats, polished window switches, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display that integrated seamlessly into the interior.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, inspired by the Wildcat concept, presented a refreshed and handsome exterior. Its new face featured sleek daytime running lights and angular LED lamps, complemented by a unique grille and chrome trim on the Avenir trim. The rear design remained largely unchanged, except for new LED tail lights on higher trims. The Encore GX offered a vibrant color palette, including options like brilliant red and Copper Ice Metallic, with the possibility of a contrasting black roof. Inside, the most significant change was the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a 19-inch glass panel for the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. While the interior had some cheap-feeling plastics, it provided a premium look at first glance.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for AWD, with a standard single rear motor offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack promised a range of 314 miles with RWD and 307 miles with AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery reaching 80 percent in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, resulting in significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, with a base 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. An optional 1.3-liter turbocharged engine offered 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX was not quick, taking about nine seconds to reach 60 mph, and exhibited some roughness on take-off. Highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. However, the Encore GX excelled as a city car, with a smooth-riding suspension and a selectable AWD system that allowed for fuel-saving FWD operation.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose motorized charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray in the dash were notable issues. The glovebox was inconvenient to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but was competitive within its class. It featured a hands-free liftgate and provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX could accommodate items up to eight feet long with the front seat folded. Inside, available features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, though seat ventilation was not offered. The top Avenir trim or Comfort package provided eight-way adjustable seats, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system was available.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted a 33-inch OLED screen divided into three sections, with the leftmost portion touch-enabled for various controls. While lacking augmented reality features, the instrument cluster was large and legible. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available Super Cruise system was a standout feature, offering hands-free driving with lane-switching capabilities. The 19-speaker AKG stereo provided excellent sound quality.

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 real estate, giving the impression of a malfunction. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and a 120-volt outlet. The available rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear. The infotainment system was straightforward, with tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. It came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, rear emergency braking, and a rear camera displayed on the rearview mirror.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX included Buick’s Driver Confidence package as standard, featuring lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and more. Optional safety features included rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. Unique to the Encore GX were the Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive features. The NHTSA awarded the Encore GX a full five-star overall safety rating, while the 2023 model received high marks from IIHS for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.