2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a sense of stability and style. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those of a Porsche 911, added to its allure, while the squinting headlights and V-shaped pattern on the bumper gave it an aggressive look. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX did not carry forward Buick's historical design legacy. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV appeal. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which included subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable. Inside, the Encore GX offered expected features for a top-trim model, such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels lacked creativity, reminiscent of outdated designs, though the instrument cluster with its round binnacles was a notable feature.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered an exhilarating performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's torque distribution was seamless, providing a smooth and responsive ride, whether on pavement or snow. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving, and the drive modes could be quickly adjusted. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its estimated range. Charging was efficient, but the charging infrastructure in colder climates limited its potential.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX, equipped with a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, offered a comfortable ride with a quiet cabin. While acceleration felt stronger than expected, power delivery was not smooth, requiring patience to get the most out of the engine. The Encore GX excelled in ride quality and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, it felt ponderous and awkward in most driving situations, with slow and lifeless steering and significant body roll.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. Its interior was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom, although cargo space was limited due to the high load floor and low roof height. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with respectable cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres when folded. However, the front seats were placed close together, reducing the sense of spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. The Encore GX made efficient use of available space for small-item storage, with large door pockets and a space-efficient wireless charging pad. The instrumentation was well-executed, with clear information conveyance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered advanced features like 360-degree cameras, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch driver information display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The interface was easy to use, with graphics that were visually appealing. Optional features included a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but offered impressive standard safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX included standard driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick.