When it comes to making a statement on the road, will you choose an SUV with more timeless characteristics or something that’s sleek and modern? Drivers who favor the former should turn to the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport since this SUV models a classic, squared-off aesthetic with distinct, sharp lines and well-defined corners.

If you’re ready to drive down the streets in a modern-styled SUV, the Buick Encore GX is the way to go. This SUV features checkmark-shaped daytime running lights that add an eye-catching flare, ensuring heads turn wherever you go.

The Encore GX stands out among the crowd with optional features like 18-inch Gloss Black wheels and striking Black accents around the vehicle’s exterior.

Stepping into these SUVs, what will you find? Ebony cloth seats are standard with both SUVs, but only the Encore GX comes with an option of Whisper Beige cloth seats for those who want a brighter cabin. On the highest trim levels of these SUVs, you’ll notice an upgrade to leather-trimmed seats.

The Buick Encore GX continues its modern design trend by adding a flat-bottom steering wheel and an 11-inch ultrawide infotainment display, both of which command attention and enhance the overall aesthetics.

Again, the Outlander Sport takes a more classic approach to design with a traditional steering wheel design and its smaller 7-inch display screen.

Whether you’re headed home from work or traveling to your favorite vacation spot, you’ll find the cabin of your SUV is your personal haven for comfort. Optional heated front seats help you and your copilot ease into a state of tranquility, allowing tense back and shoulder muscles to instantly ease.

The Buick Encore GX elevates the comfort experience with the addition of QuietTuning™ technology with Active Noise Cancellation. This feature uses advanced technology to absorb road and engine sounds so you and your friends will only hear the sweet sound of laughter as you travel from Point A to Point B. Sadly, the same can’t be said about the Outlander Sport.

Feeling comfortable behind the wheel extends beyond amenities. It includes feeling wholly confident thanks to the addition of driver-assist features. Cameras and sensors scan your surroundings and, when certain conditions are met, may apply mild autonomous capabilities to help avoid a collision.

Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking are two driver-assist features you’ll find with both the Encore GX and the Outlander Sport. Sadly for Mitsubishi drivers, this is where the similarities start and end. The Encore GX, on the other hand, goes the extra mile with the addition of a standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert feature.

While these are also found with the Mitsubishi, you’ll need to select a higher trim level to enjoy the 360-degree protection found with the Buick.

Adaptability is key, and the Buick Encore GX and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport deliver. Their 40/60 split-folding rear seats allow you to configure the cabin to match your ever-changing cargo-passenger needs. This also helps you extend your SUV’s cargo capacity to 49.5 cubic feet in the Mitsubishi or 50.2 cubic feet in the Buick.

For even more cargo space to accommodate planks of wood or a ladder to aid in that home renovation project you’ve always talked about, the Encore GX comes optionally with a flat-folding front-passenger seat.

Another perk to picking the Buick Encore GX is the available Hands-Free Power Liftgate. This feature allows you to access the cargo area of your SUV while your hands are full simply by waving your foot under the rear bumper. As long as your keys are in your pocket, the liftgate will magically open.

Outlander Sport drivers are forced to put down their bags before they can access the cargo area since no similar feature is offered.

For drivers seeking adventure, both SUVs offer all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities to help you navigate the low-friction surfaces of unpaved streets. However, you may find an extra benefit to adventuring in the Buick Encore GX since it only has a wheelbase of 102 inches compared to 105.1 inches with the Outlander Sport.

The advantage of a smaller wheelbase is added maneuverability. You may find this helpful on weaving backroads or to help easily maneuver around a tree while embarking on an off-roading adventure.