2024 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX emerged as one of the most visually appealing models from Buick in recent years. Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept, this refreshed model showcased a completely redesigned front with sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille and angular LED lamps flanking it. The introduction of a new Buick logo added to its modern appeal. The Avenir-trim test vehicle featured a unique grille and chrome trim, enhancing its sophisticated look. While the rear design remained largely unchanged from 2023, the addition of new LED tail lights on the top trims added a touch of elegance. The Encore GX offered a variety of vibrant colors, including brilliant red, deep blue, maroon, and the striking Copper Ice Metallic. The option for a black roof, mirrors, and roof rails further accentuated its stylish appearance. Inside, the most significant change was the relocation of HVAC vents to accommodate a new 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen. Despite some minor issues when the car was running, the large glass panel contributed to a premium, tech-savvy look. However, the presence of some cheap-feeling plastics and limited interior color options were noted.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The Luxury trim test model featured impressive 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, significantly enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The Luxury trim added premium features such as upgraded ambient interior lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. The Peppercorn interior, a dark brown shade, combined with black-grained trim, created a somewhat dark cabin ambiance, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its previous engine options, offering a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque in the base Preferred trim. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All trims could be upgraded to a 1.3-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In testing, the turbocharged engine provided adequate responsiveness, achieving 0 to 60 mph in about nine seconds. While not particularly quick, the Encore GX held its own among competitors. However, there was a noticeable delay in power delivery during highway passing, and the transmission was reluctant to downshift promptly. Despite these performance limitations, the Encore GX excelled as a city car, offering a smooth ride and a selectable AWD system for added control and fuel efficiency.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate the TX 350 to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The engine's torque delivery contributed to a sense of quickness, although the overall performance was deemed adequate. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. The AWD option, priced at $1,600, offered improved traction in adverse weather conditions and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, enhancing the overall driving experience. However, the brake pedal in the test vehicle felt too soft, although it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but remained competitive within its segment. It had a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds and featured an available hands-free liftgate for convenient rear cargo access. Behind the rear seats, the Encore GX provided 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The front seat could also be folded to accommodate items up to eight feet long. Inside, available features included heated seats and a heated steering wheel, although seat ventilation was not offered. Standard seats were two-way power-adjustable, with eight-way adjustable seats available on the top Avenir trim or through the Comfort package on lower trims. An optional seven-speaker Bose audio system enhanced the interior experience.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUV offerings. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a comfortable driving position with a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, offered triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB charging ports, and manual side window shades. The TX's third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous models, providing sufficient leg support and a good view through large side windows. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and an impressive 97 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The TX also featured numerous storage compartments, although some lacked lining, potentially contributing to noise and vibration.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, all housed under a single glass panel. While visually appealing, the screens left a significant portion of the surface unused, creating an impression of malfunction. The Encore GX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with USB-A and USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and an available 120-volt outlet. The rear camera mirror provided a wider-angle view of the rear surroundings. The infotainment system was straightforward, featuring tiles for smartphone mirroring, climate control, settings, camera views, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible to those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, offered a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated. The TX also provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect features. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came standard with the Driver Confidence package, which included lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, a following distance indicator, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was also standard across all trims. Optional safety features included rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The Encore GX featured unique safety features like Teen Driver, which allowed parents to monitor their child's driving habits, and Buckle to Drive, preventing the car from shifting out of park without the driver's seat belt fastened. The NHTSA awarded the 2024 Encore GX a full five-star overall safety rating, with five stars for frontal and side crash ratings and four stars for rollover. The 2023 model received a Good rating for crashworthiness and Superior in front crash prevention from the IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, although it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system allowed for hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was smooth and effective, although it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.