2023 Buick Encore GX vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Buick Encore GX departed from Buick's storied design history, presenting a style that didn't echo the brand's classic cues. Its rounded exterior and tall stance resulted in awkward proportions that failed to capture the SUV allure that many buyers sought. Even with the optional Sport Touring Package, which added subtle enhancements like different bumpers and a black mesh grille, the changes were barely noticeable unless compared directly to a standard model. Inside, the Encore GX Essence trim offered expected features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control, but the interior's plastic elements reminded drivers of its position at the lower end of Buick's lineup. The dashboard and door panels lacked visual interest, reminiscent of uninspired 1990s designs, though the instrument cluster stood out with its well-framed digital display.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received a significant visual update, aligning it more closely with its popular siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's new front end, with a bold grille and vertically stacked LED headlights, gave it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtler, but higher trims featured attractive LED taillights. Inside, the Sorento boasted a modern and upscale cockpit, with a new dashboard design that was cleaner and more contemporary. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays were integrated under a single pane of glass, enhancing the cabin's sleek appearance. The materials used in the Sorento's interior were of higher quality, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury.

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. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While the engine delivered a pleasant note, its power delivery was not smooth, requiring a patient driving style to get the most out of it. The Encore GX excelled in ride comfort 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 2024 Kia Sorento offered a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, but higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The turbocharged Sorento felt lively off the line and provided ample passing power. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims offered increased ground clearance. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a higher towing capacity.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX provided competitive passenger space, with headroom comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30. However, the Kia Seltos offered more rear legroom. The Encore GX's cargo capacity was respectable, with 665 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,422 litres with them folded. The front seats were positioned close together, limiting spaciousness, and lacked thigh support. Despite the limited cabin size, Buick made efficient use of 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 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and comfortable in the first two rows, though the third row was tight. It offered more legroom in the front and second rows than many two-row SUVs, with comfortable seats and optional noise-insulating glass. The third row, while not spacious, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's new dashboard was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 1,274 litres, and with all seats down, up to 2,139 litres. Higher trims featured a power liftgate.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX came with 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 features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with attractive graphics, though the screen size was modest.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen on all models. Higher trims included a second 12.3-inch digital display. The new infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a simple, stylish interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack. Higher trims boasted a 12-speaker Bose surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2023 Buick Encore GX offered standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, automatic park assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Encore GX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS 2022 Top Safety Pick, with top "Good" ratings in crash tests.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning capabilities. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in several tests, though the LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.