2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party's fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, boasting a stylish four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-like symmetry in its rear design. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage embraced a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The interior felt upscale, with user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, lacking any nods to its past. The Encore GX's 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 Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the abundance of plastic reminded occupants of its position in Buick's lineup. While fit and finish were commendable, the interior design felt uninspired, with a blob-like dashboard reminiscent of 1990s automotive design. The instrument cluster, however, stood out with its well-framed digital display.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models featuring 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 engine with 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm, providing a spirited driving experience. The suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, offered a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While the Sportage SX was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX in Canada came 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. Despite the modest specs, the Encore GX's acceleration felt stronger than expected, though power delivery required patience due to the turbocharged engine and transmission setup. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort and noise reduction, thanks to its well-damped suspension and active noise cancellation. However, the driving experience was marred by ponderous handling and significant body roll, with slow and lifeless steering. While the Encore GX offered a comfortable and quiet ride, it lacked the agility and responsiveness of more dynamic competitors.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port, with heated rear seats available on the SX trim. While interior storage was ample, the Sportage's cargo space fell short of segment leaders, offering 1,703 litres with the rear seats folded and 868 litres with them in place. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos provided more rear legroom. The Encore GX's cargo capacity of 665 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded was respectable, though not class-leading. The front seats were positioned close together, compromising spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite these drawbacks, 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 notifications and an array of hard buttons for ease of use.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and intuitive onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information display. Optional features included a built-in navigation system, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Standard connectivity options included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was easy to use, with attractive graphics and a well-designed interface. While the 8-inch touchscreen was small by current standards, it fit well within the dashboard's design.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features on the EX and SX trims, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system were available as options. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in crash tests but an Average score for child-seat anchor ease of use.