Where there are people, there are rivalries—and the auto world is no exception. Among urban SUVs, two standout models have captured significant attention. With their formidable skills, they’ve rapidly risen to fame and now stand as each other’s worthy rivals: the GAC Mitsubishi New ASX and the Buick Encore. In this test drive, we’ll put their top-tier trims through their paces in a true showdown between two champions.
“Presence” Showdown: The New ASX Exudes Authority, the Encore Delivers Refined Charm
When champions face off, “presence” is key. In the world of martial arts, “presence” refers to an intangible energy field. For cars, though, we can assess presence through tangible aspects like exterior design, cabin space, and interior styling—let’s compare how the New ASX and Encore measure up.
Round One: Exterior. Hailing from an “SUV dynasty,” the New ASX boasts a bold, commanding presence. Its shark-like front grille is fierce and aggressive, while its sleek, clean body lines radiate an unstoppable, dominant aura. The Encore, geared toward a younger demographic, holds its own with its vertical waterfall grille that carries on Buick’s signature styling, exuding a touch of modern flair.
Round Two: Space. With an extra-long 2670mm wheelbase, the New ASX offers a more generous layout, excelling in both headroom and legroom for rear passengers—making the back seat a supremely comfortable place to be. Thoughtful storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin. The Encore, due to its more compact size, may raise concerns about space adequacy. From our test ride, we’d describe the Encore’s headroom and rear space as merely “adequate.”
Round Three: Interior. The New ASX’s full panoramic sunroof bathes all occupants in natural light, while its all-black interior amplifies a sporty vibe. The Encore, however, brings its A-game with a driver-focused cockpit, dense button layout, and family resemblance to other Buick models. Its trendy brown interior color scheme is another highlight, lending the cabin a more upscale feel.
After three rounds, both contenders showcase distinct presences. The New ASX exudes the confidence of a seasoned leader, its bold and individualistic style standing out in an increasingly generic field of urban SUVs. The Encore, on the other hand, leans toward a more refined, less aggressive charm—its delicate presence has earned it a dedicated following.
Skill Showdown: The New ASX Masters Its Craft, the Encore Is Just Starting Out
As the saying goes, you can tell a master by their moves. After evaluating presence, let’s dive into skill. We’ll assess performance in three areas: power, handling, and off-road capability—with a special focus on four-wheel-drive performance, since real-world off-roading reveals an SUV’s true strength beyond city driving.
Round One: Power. A car’s engine is like a martial artist’s inner energy. The New ASX, equipped with the legendary EVO powertrain, delivers a more thrilling punch than the Encore. Step on the gas, and the engine’s roar is unmistakably invigorating, stoking your driving spirit. On the highway, the power delivery is smooth and responsive, with ample reserves—evoking the sensation of gliding effortlessly, leaving only a faint trail behind. The Encore, by contrast, lags behind; its engine feels slightly sluggish at low RPMs, only delivering strong thrust once the turbocharger kicks in.
Round Two: Handling. Taking sharp turns at high speed is akin to a martial artist’s light-footed wall-scaling agility. We initially had some concerns about the New ASX’s suspension support, but our test drive quickly revealed Mitsubishi’s deep expertise in chassis tuning and steering. The New ASX’s sharp, responsive steering stays true to Mitsubishi’s legacy—offering a balanced effort level, with a nimble feel at low speeds that’s almost “effortless.” The Encore, while also stable through corners, exhibits slight steering vibration, and its non-independent rear suspension can make the rear seats feel a bit bumpy.
Round Three: Off-Road Capability. Before heading into the mountains, we switched the New ASX’s drive mode dial to 4WD Lock, engaging the electronic differential to distribute power evenly (50:50) between the front and rear wheels—delivering solid traction and effortless handling on rugged terrain. Thanks to its 195mm minimum ground clearance, bumps and dips posed no challenge. The Encore, however, couldn’t quite match up. In the mountains, it defaulted to a non-locking 4WD mode, which responded quickly but still struggled on steep inclines. With a ground clearance of just 158mm—similar to a sedan—it lacked the confidence to tackle uneven roads.
After three rounds of skill-based competition, the New ASX left the Encore trailing. Drawing on Mitsubishi’s deep off-road heritage, the New ASX holds a clear advantage among urban SUVs, delivering polished, expert-level performance in our real-world test. The Encore, meanwhile, feels more like a novice still finding its footing—reliable for city commuting and suburban drives, but with room to grow when it comes to off-roading.
Summary
In this high-stakes showdown between two champions, the battle of “presence” and “skill” has been decided.The New ASX, born from an “SUV dynasty,” combines deep expertise with urban refinement. It retains Mitsubishi’s racing DNA while seamlessly integrating modern style—making it the ultimate fusion of technology and fashion in today’s SUV world. The Encore, while stylish and practical for daily urban errands, shouldn’t be expected to excel off the beaten path.