2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and sleek design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance gave it a visually appealing presence, enhanced by a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips, similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The EV6's headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, complementing the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The car's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth lower body, especially in the matte silver paint of the test car. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX had a more traditional SUV appearance, closely resembling its sibling, the Encore. It featured Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, a high beltline, and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a less stubby look. The optional ST appearance package added sporty elements like body-colour moldings, custom grille, and sport bumpers with red accents. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather upholstery on higher trims. The controls were straightforward, and the vehicle provided a pleasant driving experience, although it lacked the premium feel of some competitors.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, which boasted 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, providing thrilling performance. The car's handling was impressive, with torque distributed effectively between the wheels, ensuring a smooth and responsive drive. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal mode. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its estimated 441-kilometre range. Charging was efficient, with the car accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving. While the Encore GX's ride was not as refined as expected from a Buick, it handled well and offered a comfortable driving experience. The engine stop/start feature contributed to fuel efficiency, although it could be slightly annoying. Overall, the Encore GX delivered a competent performance, suitable for urban and highway driving.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, creating an airy and open space. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added versatility. The car's innovative features, like the pop-out door handles and combined climate and stereo controls, added to its modern appeal, although some elements could be frustrating to use while driving.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, while rear-seat knee room was a bit tight. The cargo space measured 665 litres behind the rear seats and 1,422 litres with the seats folded, offering decent storage capacity. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience. The vehicle's controls were user-friendly, and the elevated ride height provided excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, although it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car offered advanced driver-assistance features, including Highway Driving Assist and blind spot monitoring. The 360-degree cameras and head-up display with augmented reality added to the tech-savvy experience. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist, enhancing the vehicle's technological appeal.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with a standard eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle's tech package included HD surround vision, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and rear park assist. The Convenience package added features like automatic parking assist and wireless phone charging. The Encore GX's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with tech anxiety.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of standard safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional features like blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras. However, the EV6 had no published test results from safety organizations in the U.S.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX performed well in safety tests, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in crash tests, with "Superior" ratings for front crash prevention. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system, enhancing its safety credentials.