It pays to travel in a vehicle that understands what Bennington area drivers require on the road. From weekend excursions to inclement weather during the chilly winter months, you need a vehicle that can provide you with a solid ride, a cozy cabin, and impeccable performance, no matter what road condition lies beneath your tires. This has made subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX appealing options for many drivers. But which is better able to tackle your journey? By the end of this detailed comparison, we're sure you'll be ready to visit us at Bedard Brothers Honda, your Honda dealership near Bennington, to take the HR-V for a test drive.
The Daily Drive
Whether you’re driving to work at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center or class at Bennington College, it’s important to drive a vehicle that you’re comfortable in and that meets all your needs on the road. When you want to enjoy your daily drive to meet friends at the Downtown Bennington Historic District, the 2024 HR-V showcases a phenomenal ride, equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission. This makes for an ultra-smooth experience, allowing you to sit back and relax during your journey. With 158 hp driving you forward, your ride will be undeniably energetic, making even the most mundane trips to the grocery store more enjoyable inside the HR-V. You’ll also find that this engine is exceptionally efficient, getting an EPA-estimated 32 MPG on the highway, which adds even more value to this Honda favorite when your Bennington travels are on the line.
The 2024 Buick Encore GX allows you to choose between two turbocharged engines, neither of which are all that exciting. Your best bet is going to be the 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder, which provides you with 155 hp. This engine, although livelier than its base engine, is fuel efficient; however, it is not as efficient as the HR-V, topping out at an EPA-estimated 31 MPG on the highway. Although it’s a smooth traveler, the Encore GX can be a bit boring on the road, which can impact the daily drive. If you want to add thrills to your time behind the wheel, even if you’re just heading down the street to pick up a gallon of milk, the HR-V will deliver.
Inclement Road Conditions
It’s no secret that winters can be rough in Bennington, which calls for a vehicle that can take on inclement weather like a pro. The 2024 HR-V does just that, with available Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System. This sophisticated system allows you to take on snowy, icy, and rain-slicked streets safely, equipped with various sensors to figure out the right amount of torque to send to the rear wheels during any given moment. This allows you to remain secure, no matter what type of weather you’re trekking through on Route 7. With Snow mode to keep you in control during winter snowstorms, maintaining stability and reducing wheel slippage, you’re able to confidently travel during the winter months, knowing that your vehicle was designed for this.
You’ll find all-wheel drive capabilities available in the 2024 Encore GX; however, they’re only available on the optional powertrain, not its base powertrain, which is a disappointment. This system also includes a Drive Mode Selector to help you maintain control, regardless of the terrain beneath your tires. In addition to all-wheel drive capabilities, you’ll find that there are plenty of safety features in each vehicle to add confidence to your drive, especially during bad weather. The 2024 HR-V is armed with Honda Sensing, while the Encore GX has the Buick Driver Confidence suite, which showcases a wonderful assortment of advanced features to aid you in any road condition. You’ll find that the HR-V differs from many of its peers, as its Honda-exclusive ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure provides optimal protection on board in the unfortunate instance of an accident.
Weekend Road Trips
Whether you’re just driving around Bennington or traveling a few hours away, you’ll want a vehicle that is able to provide you with a comfortable and satisfying ride during your trip. Fortunately, the 2024 HR-V is able to do just that, with a cozy interior accentuated by road trip-friendly features, like body-stabilizing front seats and ergonomic steering wheel controls to make the journey easier. Opting for the alluring EX-L trim will grant you access to premium features, like leather-trimmed appointments, heated front seats, and a one-touch power moonroof to add an open feel to this small-size explorer. Despite Buick being a luxury brand, the interior of the 2024 Encore GX is anything but, with lackluster features and cheaper materials dotting its entry-level trims. You’ll need to upgrade to the pricey Avenir if you want to enjoy leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and other enhanced elements.
In order to enjoy maximum comfort on board while you’re taking a weekend trip, you’ll need a vehicle that offers enough space for all your gear. That’s where the HR-V really impresses, offering up to 55.1 cu.ft. in its cargo hold, perfect for luggage and anything else accompanying you on your road trip. Folding second-row seats allow you to maximize space on board, while roomy seating for up to five allows you to accommodate your fellow travelers and everything they’re bringing along for the ride. Unfortunately, you won’t find as much space in the Encore GX, which only offers up to 50.2 cu.ft. for cargo. This lack of space, coupled with its lack of high-quality features, makes it easy to look past the Encore GX when you need a road tripper that checks all the boxes on your wishlist.
When you’re riding in the HR-V, you get to enjoy top-level innovation to help you make the most of your time spent behind the wheel. From wireless smartphone capabilities to a Wi-Fi hotspot and an eight-speaker audio system, enjoying your time on the road is easy on board the 2024 HR-V. You’ll find many of the same features in the Encore GX, as well as a dazzling infotainment display and a seven-speaker audio system, making both vehicles able to provide you with the entertainment you need while you’re navigating through an unexpected delay during your travels. However, the HR-V comes out ahead in a few key areas.
The Verdict
Which vehicle is better for traveling through Bennington? It’s evident that the HR-V has more to offer to your ride. With a spirited engine, you’re able to heighten excitement during the daily drive, and with impeccable all-wheel drive capabilities and a durable body structure, taking on inclement weather is easy for this Honda SUV. It’s also comfortable and ergonomically friendly, spacious for all your road trip buddies and their gear, and when it comes to unexpected delays, it’s got enough tech to keep you occupied. Unfortunately, the Encore GX lacks power, and despite the fact that it’s a luxury SUV, its interior design lacks refinement. You also won’t get to enjoy as much cargo space as the HR-V provides, which makes it easy to choose the HR-V when you want to make the most out of your travel adventures.
