2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Kia EV6

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, though it was marred slightly by a complex electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design was characterized by a low, wide stance, a highback tail with a lip spoiler, and voluptuous curves akin to a Porsche 911. The EV6's interior was equally modern, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather upholstery. The car's design was not only about aesthetics but also about functionality, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port adding to its sleek appearance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's performance was notable for its strong acceleration and smooth ride, aided by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was a powerhouse in the electric vehicle segment. The GT-Line e-AWD model tested featured dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The EV6's performance was further enhanced by its ability to quickly and effectively distribute torque, providing a seamless driving experience. However, the EV6's range was a concern, especially in cold weather, where it fell short of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often lower.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for up to seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort, with features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was impressive, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while offering generous legroom and headroom, had a more compact cargo area, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's interior was innovative, with features like a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls, though this could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 also offered a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it fell short in terms of screen size and high-end audio components, with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. The Enclave did offer a unique rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was more advanced, with dual 12-inch screens, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display with augmented reality. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the EV6 offered a range of standard tech features, including Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, though many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors, but adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while lacking published test results, came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and automatic rear braking, making the EV6 a well-equipped vehicle in terms of safety.