2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying the brand's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a commanding presence with its sleek design and luxurious Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, polished 20-inch wheels, and a refined interior with leather upholstery and polished accents. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a minimalist and elegant interior design, although the wood accents were not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter required some acclimation, but overall, the Enclave's design and feel were a nod to Buick's storied past while catering to modern SUV preferences.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its appeal with a more sophisticated exterior and interior design. The Kona's refreshed look included revised fascias, new LED lighting, and sporty character lines, complemented by new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were redesigned for a more spacious feel, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance-oriented features, making the Kona a more athletic and dynamic choice. The Blue Wave exterior color and N Line-exclusive wheels added to its visual appeal, while the interior's fit and finish were commendable for its price point.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience, with the Enclave's size belied by its nimble handling. The SUV offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the driving experience with a premium-tuned suspension and advanced safety features. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, paired with a CVT. For more spirited driving, the N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements, making it a thrilling option. The Kona's handling was agile and composed, with the AWD system providing stability and confidence on the road.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the SUV provided generous cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was also tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying large loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and the lack of smart home integration and high-end audio options was a drawback. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a premium sound system, but the technology package required additional subscriptions for connected services.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more advanced technology, with an 8-inch display standard on lower trims and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation on higher trims. The Kona offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the base screen, with wired versions on the larger screen. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, and features like Hyundai Blue Link and Digital Key added convenience. The Kona N Line and above trims included a digital instrument cluster and wireless device charging, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with basic features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a solid suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, although its child-seat anchor rating was marginal. The Kona's safety features were competitive for its class, providing peace of mind for drivers.