2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern SUV-focused lineup. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, appealing to an older demographic prioritizing comfort over cutting-edge design. However, the Enclave marked a shift, reflecting Buick's strategic pivot towards SUVs, aligning with market trends. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured exterior enhancements like a new grille and updated fascias, while the Avenir trim boasted unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave offered upgraded materials, a restyled centre console, and climate-controlled seating, elevating its comfort and appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride embraced a bolder, more adventurous aesthetic, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro models. These versions featured fresh styling, including updated headlights, taillights, and new wheel designs, with paint options like Midnight Lake Blue and Jungle Green. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, offering a raised suspension and unique grille, while the X-Pro added all-terrain tires and exclusive wheels. Inside, the Telluride's updates were subtle but impactful, with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior also featured new colours and a more functional centre console, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all trims came standard with all-wheel drive, and the Enclave boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave was renowned for its quiet, smooth ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave offered responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. The QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Kia Telluride retained its 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The X-Line averaged 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, while the X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 11.5 L/100 km. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved off-road performance, and the X-Pro's towing capacity increased to 2,495 kilograms. The Telluride excelled in both on-road comfort and off-road capability, offering a smooth ride and responsive handling.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility due to its large windows. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats and tri-zone climate control. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, and the restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing the cargo area.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and climate controls, while the third row offered better comfort than many competitors. The Telluride's cargo space was ample, with 601 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,455 litres with all seats folded. The smart power tailgate and automatic closing function added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information centre, with an 8-inch version on higher trims. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator and HD rear vision camera, with available adaptive cruise control and head-up display on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The system supported over-the-air updates and Bluetooth pairing for two devices. Standard features included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride also offered a Full Display rear-view mirror and an optional head-up display with a larger viewing area. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system was a standout feature, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Buick Enclave's safety features were significantly enhanced for 2022, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a new junction turning system. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Advanced features like Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist were standard, with additional collision avoidance features on higher trims. The Telluride was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable at the time of review.