Comparison between the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and the 2024 Buick Encore GX

The automobile industry is constantly moving towards luxury. Hyundai has achieved great success in the US market by focusing on adding near-luxury features to its previously existing lineup of economy cars. At the same time, Buick captured the idea of ​​affordable luxury in the space between economy and premium models. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Buick Encore GX are examples of crossover SUVs for each strategy.

Hyundai has given the Santa Fe a major makeover for 2024, the start of its fifth generation of production. The SUV that our reviewer once said had a “familiar, handsome design” is now a “sleek box that resembles the powerful SUV of the past.” The 2024 Buick Encore GX gets what the automaker calls a “mid-cycle refresh,” exterior improvements, and some upgrades inside, including a new upper trim level.

Let’s compare these two crossover SUVs to determine which is best for you and your family.

Hyundai Santa Fe 2024

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024. Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing yet, but the 2023 Santa Fe starts at $28,750. We estimate this one new will be a few thousand higher, perhaps a little over $30,000. Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty adds value.

Hyundai Santa Fe features

Third row of available seats: The previous generation Santa Fe was a two-row SUV. Hyundai will compress the third row in the new Santa Fe. The Encore GX won’t attempt this trick.

New powerful design: Following current design trends, the 2024 Santa Fe’s rounded corners are squared off and looks like a miniature Hyundai Palisade (not a bad thing). The Encore GX has a refreshed exterior design, enhancing a sleek, mature look that ages well.

Relaxation seat: Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Santa Fe offers a “recliner seat” with leg rest, showing confidence that owners will want to spend time in the new Santa Fe SUV even when they’re not driving.

Check this week’s Fair Buy Price or see the Santa Fe models for sale near you

2024 Buick Encore GX

The 2024 Buick Encore GX two-row crossover will start at $25,600 in Preferred trim. The Sport Touring starts at $26,800, and the Avenir starts at $31,900. The base engine, a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder, comes on the Preferred model, while a 1.3-liter turbo three-cylinder is standard on Sport Touring and Avenir. You can upgrade to the 1.3-liter in the Preferred model for $395. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, and all-wheel drive is a $2,000 upgrade.

The most prominent features of the Buick Encore GX

Future top trim: Like General Motors Co.’s GMC with its Denali sub-brand, Buick has spread the Avenir’s trim level across the lineup. This year, the Avenir arrives in the Encore GX with near-luxury features, including leather seating surfaces, power-adjustable front seats, a cabin air ionizer, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

New Sport trim level: In a further attempt to broaden the Encore GX’s youth appeal, the mid-range model has been updated and renamed. “It comes with a flat-bottomed steering wheel because that’s a current indicator of sportiness,” says our expert reviewer.

Comfortable and quiet: From our expert reviewers, the Encore GX “has a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin considering its size and price. But anyone looking for a thrill or two should look elsewhere.”

Check this week’s Fair Buy Price or see the Encore GX models for sale near you

Similarity

Both SUVs have a new look for 2024, and both have aspirations to near-luxury status.

Conclusion

Practical buyers with luxury aspirations would do well to explore both the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Buick Encore GX crossover SUVs. While the Santa Fe offers more interior space and an optional third row of seats, the Encore GX allows buyers to enter the world of luxury vehicles at a lower price. reasonable. You’ll likely pay more for a Santa Fe than you would for a comparably equipped Encore GX, but you’ll get more in return. If you need more space, the Santa Fe is your answer.