2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. Its design was both impressive and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's simplicity and luxury made it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was a bold step into the future of automotive design. With a sportier and more svelte appearance than its competitors, the EV6 boasted a low and wide stance, accentuated by its highback tail and lip spoiler. Its design was reminiscent of a Porsche 911, with voluptuous curves and a wedgy profile. The EV6's interior was equally futuristic, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting. The car's industrial design was both functional and captivating, making it a vehicle that truly stood out. The EV6's aesthetic was a perfect blend of car and computer, offering a driving experience that was both enjoyable and technologically advanced.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's towing capacity was impressive at 2,268 kilograms, and its suspension system offered a comfortable ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving. The Enclave's performance was characterized by its ability to handle like a smaller SUV despite its size, and its premium-tuned suspension enhanced the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, offered a thrilling performance with its dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 could accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, providing a dynamic driving experience. The car's regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with a significant drop in efficiency during winter conditions. Despite this, the EV6 excelled in charging capabilities, accepting up to 240 kW and offering quick charging times. The EV6's performance was marked by its agility and responsiveness, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with power-adjustable and massaging front seats, as well as heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded down, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while offering generous legroom and headroom, had a more compact cargo space. The innovative interior design included features like pop-out door handles and a dual-function touchscreen for climate and stereo controls. The rear seats provided comfort with reclining options and air vents, but the cargo space was limited to 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6 also offered a towing capacity of 1,043 kilograms and an onboard power generator, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but lacked the advanced features found in competitors. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. However, the screen size and audio quality were not as impressive as those in other SUVs. The Enclave did offer a unique rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a more advanced infotainment system, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. While it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system was user-friendly and offered features like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. The EV6's tech package included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system, making it a technologically impressive vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. While it lacked published test results, the EV6's safety technology was impressive, with features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims.