2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a design that was both bold and divisive. Its tiger-nose grille, while successful on other Kia models, seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween costume mustache. Despite this, the SUV boasted impressive design elements, such as the Porsche Macan-like running lights and a Volkswagen-inspired rear symmetry. The Sportage's 19-inch alloy wheels and planted stance added to its stylish appeal. Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The controls were user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel of the vehicle.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave took a more conservative approach, reflecting Buick's traditional focus on comfort and simplicity. Over the years, Buick shifted from sedans to SUVs, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, was a significant part of this transition. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with new exterior styling, including a unique grille and 20-inch wheels for the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled centre console, upgraded materials, and climate-controlled seating options. The Avenir trim offered additional luxury touches, making the Enclave a comfortable and stylish choice.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more powerful 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system, standard on most trims, provided excellent traction. The SX trim delivered quick acceleration, with torque peaking between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm. The suspension offered a smooth ride, though some body roll was noticeable. Overall, the Sportage SX was fun to drive, though not as refined as some competitors.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a single powertrain: a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all Enclave trims came standard with all-wheel drive. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave excelled in comfort, thanks to its premium ride suspension and noise-cancellation technology. The V6 engine provided responsive acceleration, and the transmission performed seamlessly. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave handled various terrains with ease, offering a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a surprisingly roomy interior. The SX trim featured luxurious touches like perforated leather seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. However, cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available when the rear seats were folded. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology provided convenient access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The spacious cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with power-adjustable heated seats and tri-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs added versatility, though the folding mechanism could be confusing. The Enclave offered generous cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats enhanced convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence services, satellite radio, wireless charging, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. While user-friendly, the infotainment system lacked advanced features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims included navigation and a superior Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported multiple device pairings and offered a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favourable safety ratings, though only the SX earned an Acceptable headlight rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keep assist. Premium trims added enhanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.