Compare the2023 Buick Encore GXVS 2023 Hyundai Venue

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Buick Encore GX are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Hyundai Venue doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Buick Encore GX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Venue doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Encore GX offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Venue doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Encore GX Select/Essence offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Venue only offers a rear monitor.

Both the Encore GX and the Venue have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Buick Encore GX is safer than the Hyundai Venue:

	Encore GX	Venue
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	185	335
Neck Injury Risk	24%	32%
Neck Stress	190 lbs.	270 lbs.
Neck Compression	15 lbs.	182 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	83/261 lbs.	769/350 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	29%	48%
Neck Stress	153 lbs.	206 lbs.

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

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 Buick Encore GX is safer than the Hyundai Venue:

	Encore GX	Venue
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	91	154
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	199 lbs.	215 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	185	223
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	82 G’s
Hip Force	517 lbs.	843 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	337	343
Spine Acceleration	38 G’s	42 G’s
Hip Force	591 lbs.	790 lbs.

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

Warranty

There are over 2 times as many Buick dealers as there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Encore GX’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Encore GX has a standard 130-amp alternator. The Venue’s 110-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Encore GX has a standard 760-amp battery. The Venue’s 410-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Encore GX first among small suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Venue isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 46 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 17th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick second in reliability, above the industry average. With 1 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked third.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Buick 2 places higher in reliability than Hyundai.

Engine

The Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder produces 16 more horsepower (137 vs. 121) and 49 lbs.-ft. more torque (162 vs. 113) than the Venue’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (155 vs. 121) and 61 lbs.-ft. more torque (174 vs. 113) than the Venue’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Buick Encore GX 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder is faster than the Hyundai Venue:

	Encore GX	Venue
Zero to 60 MPH	9.3 sec	9.4 sec
Quarter Mile	17 sec	17.2 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

Regenerative brakes improve the Encore GX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Venue doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Encore GX’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 Venue doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Encore GX has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Venue (13.2 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Encore GX has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Venue doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Buick Encore GX higher (7 out of 10) than the Hyundai Venue (5). This means the Encore GX produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Venue every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Encore GX	Venue
Front Rotors	11.81 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	10.39 inches	8” drums
Opt Rear Rotors		10.3 inches

The Buick Encore GX has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Venue. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes that work much harder than conventional brakes.

The Encore GX stops shorter than the Venue:

	Encore GX	Venue
60 to 0 MPH	122 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Encore GX has larger tires than the Venue (225/55R18 vs. 185/65R15). The Encore GX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Venue (225/55R18 vs. 205/55R17).

The Encore GX’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Venue’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Encore GX has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Venue. The Venue’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Encore GX 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 Venue doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

The Encore GX has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Venue doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Encore GX’s wheelbase is 3 inches longer than on the Venue (102.2 inches vs. 99.2 inches).

The Encore GX AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Venue Limited pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Encore GX AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Venue Limited (27.8 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.7 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Encore GX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Venue (7.5 vs. 6.7 inches), allowing the Encore GX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Encore GX uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Venue doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Encore GX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Venue doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Encore GX has 2.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Venue (94.3 vs. 91.9).

The Encore GX has .3 inches more front headroom, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear legroom and 4 inches more rear hip room than the Venue.

Cargo Capacity

The Encore GX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Venue with its rear seat up (23.5 vs. 18.7 cubic feet). The Encore GX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Venue with its rear seat folded (50.2 vs. 31.9 cubic feet).

The Encore GX’s cargo area is larger than the Venue’s in almost every dimension:

	Encore GX	Venue
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	31.8”/60.8”	25.4”/57”
Max Width	53”	47.5”
Min Width	40.7”	42.5”
Height	32”	28”

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Encore GX’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Venue doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

The Encore GX has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Venue has no towing capacity.

The Encore GX AWD can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Encore GX can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Venue can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks Buick fifth in service department satisfaction. With a 41% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 29th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Encore GX Essence, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Venue doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Encore GX Essence’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Venue doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Encore GX Select/Essence offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning 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 Venue doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Encore GX’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Venue 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 Encore GX’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its driver’s window also automatically closes, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Venue’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Encore GX’s available exterior PIN entry system. The Venue doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Blue Link can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The Encore GX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Venue’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Encore GX Essence’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Venue’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the Encore GX’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Venue’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The Encore GX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Hyundai only offers heated mirrors on the Venue Limited.

When the Encore GX Essence 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 Venue’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

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

The Encore GX Select/Essence has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Venue doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Encore GX Select/Essence’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 Venue doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Encore GX offers an optional 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 Venue doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The Encore GX Essence has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Venue doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Encore GX Essence’s optional Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Venue doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Buick Encore GX, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Hyundai Venue isn't recommended.

The Buick Encore outsold the Hyundai Venue by 74% during 2022.

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