2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior that appealed to consumers' preference for SUVs. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a touch of elegance with its unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento presented a stylish and rugged appearance, especially in the X-Line trim. This midsize SUV offered a sense of quality with its leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The Sorento's cabin was well-constructed, with attention to design detail even in the most affordable models. The interior was practical, with ample storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof for second-row passengers. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. The Sorento's cargo space was versatile, with a "smart" power tailgate for easy loading.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence grade, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave offered strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, including a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower, and hybrid powertrains. The turbo engine provided a satisfying driving experience with 311 pound-feet of torque and a dual-clutch transmission. The Sorento's suspension offered a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres with the base engine, though real-world testing showed higher consumption.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy compared to competitors, and cargo space was generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs were standard on higher trims, providing comfort and convenience for passengers. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 2,139 litres with the second-row seats folded down. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. However, the system fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered additional features like a rear camera mirror and a premium sound system, but connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the latter including navigation and satellite radio. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its infotainment technology with Hyundai models, but voice recognition was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose sound system was available on the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in Canada, but other safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety and convenience. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights were rated poorly. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall rating, with high marks in most categories.