Compare the2023 Fiat 500XVS 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 500X has standard Reactive Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Reactive Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the 500X. But it costs extra on the Encore GX.

The 500X Sport’s optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Encore GX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 500X and the Encore GX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, front and rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The 500X comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes free 24-hour roadside assistance. The Encore GX’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 500X’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Encore GX’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

The engine in the 500X has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engines in the Encore GX have dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 500X has a standard 150-amp alternator. The Encore GX’s 130-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The 500X’s 1.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 40 more horsepower (177 vs. 137) and 48 lbs.-ft. more torque (210 vs. 162) than the Encore GX’s standard 1.2 turbo 3-cylinder. The 500X’s 1.3 turbo 4-cylinder produces 22 more horsepower (177 vs. 155) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (210 vs. 174) than the Encore GX’s optional 1.3 turbo 3-cylinder.

For better stopping power the 500X’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Encore GX:

The 500X stops much shorter than the Encore GX:

The 500X Sport’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Encore GX’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 500X Sport offers optional 19-inch wheels. The Encore GX’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

For superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X 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 GX has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The 500X has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the 500X flat and controlled during cornering. The Encore GX’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The 500X is 4.2 inches shorter than the Encore GX, making the 500X easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 500X has .5 inches more front legroom, 1.4 inches more front hip room and 4.7 inches more rear hip room than the Encore GX.

The 500X’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Encore GX’s (2000 vs. 1000 pounds).

The 500X’s front power windows 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 GX’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

The 500X’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Encore GX’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The 500X’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Encore GX’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the 500X Sport has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Encore GX doesn’t offer cornering lights.