Compare the2023 Acura RDXVS 2022 Buick Encore

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The RDX has a standard Collision Mitigating Braking System, which uses forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Encore offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

The RDX’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Encore.

The RDX Advance has a standard Surround-View Camera System to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Encore only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the RDX has standard Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, helping the driver avoid collisions. Buick charges extra for Rear Cross Traffic Alert on the Encore.

Both the RDX and the Encore have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

The Acura RDX weighs 417 to 821 pounds more than the Buick Encore. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Acura RDX is safer than the Buick Encore:

	RDX	Encore
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	63	73
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Hip Force	217 lbs.	388 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	462 lbs.	672 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	46 G’s
Hip Force	704 lbs.	707 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura RDX is safer than the Encore:

	RDX	Encore
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	1.26 in	1.69 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	357 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.5 in	1.69 in
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	692 lbs.	848 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	156 lbs.	245 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	736 lbs.	825 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the RDX is 2.9% to 4.8% less likely to roll over than the Encore.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, daytime pedestrian crash prevention, and nighttime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the RDX its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2023, a rating granted to only 29 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Encore last would have qualified as only a “Top Safety Pick” in 2016.

Warranty

The RDX comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

Acura’s powertrain warranty covers the RDX 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Buick covers the Encore. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the Encore ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The RDX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Acura pays for scheduled maintenance on the RDX for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Acura will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Buick doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Encore.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Acura 3 places higher in reliability than Buick.

Engine

The RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 117 more horsepower (272 vs. 155) and 103 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 177) than the Encore’s 1.4 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Acura RDX is faster than the Buick Encore:

	RDX	Encore
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	10.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14.8 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.7 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the RDX’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Encore doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The RDX has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Encore (17.1 vs. 14 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Acura RDX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the Encore.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the RDX’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore:

	RDX	Encore
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	11.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	10.6 inches

The RDX stops much shorter than the Encore:

	RDX	Encore
60 to 0 MPH	116 feet	126 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	129 feet	134 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the RDX has larger standard tires than the Encore (235/55R19 vs. 215/55R18). The RDX A-Spec’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Encore (255/45R20 vs. 215/55R18).

The RDX A-Spec’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the RDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Only 18-inch wheels are available on the Encore. The RDX A-Spec has standard 20-inch wheels.

The RDX has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Encore doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Acura RDX has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Buick Encore has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The RDX has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the RDX flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The RDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Encore’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the RDX’s wheelbase is 7.7 inches longer than on the Encore (108.3 inches vs. 100.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the RDX is 3.5 inches wider in the front and 4.1 inches wider in the rear than on the Encore.

The RDX A-Spec AWD handles at .83 G’s, while the Encore pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The RDX AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the Encore AWD (27.2 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 29.6 seconds @ .54 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the RDX has a 2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Encore (8.2 vs. 6.2 inches), allowing the RDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The RDX has 11.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Encore (104 vs. 92.8).

The RDX has .8 inches more front legroom, 3.3 inches more front hip room, 5.5 inches more front shoulder room, 2.6 inches more rear legroom and 4.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Encore.

Cargo Capacity

The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Encore with its rear seat up (31.1 vs. 18.8 cubic feet). The RDX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Encore with its rear seat folded (79.8 vs. 48.4 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the RDX’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the RDX. The Encore doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the RDX has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the RDX Advance, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Encore doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The RDX has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Encore has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The RDX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Encore uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the RDX, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Encore doesn’t offer a memory system.

The RDX’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Encore doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The RDX Advance has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Encore doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The RDX’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Encore has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The RDX’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Encore’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the RDX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Encore can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The RDX has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Encore doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The RDX’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Encore’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The RDX’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore’s halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the RDX detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

When the RDX is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Encore’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The RDX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Encore doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The RDX has standard heated front and second row seats (second row heated seats on Advance) extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Encore.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the RDX A-Spec/Advance keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Encore doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the RDX’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Encore doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The RDX’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Encore doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The RDX’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Encore doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

Both the RDX and the Encore offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the RDX has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Encore doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the RDX has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Encore doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura RDX offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Encore doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the RDX owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the RDX will cost $115 to $620 less than the Encore over a five-year period.

The RDX will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the RDX will retain 47.35% to 49.21% of its original price after five years, while the Encore only retains 46.78%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RDX is less expensive to operate than the Encore because typical repairs cost much less on the RDX than the Encore, including $91 less for a muffler and $402 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Acura RDX has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	RDX	Encore
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	TRUE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	TRUE

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