2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Buick Encore GX was praised for its stylish design, which was a significant improvement over the original Encore. The SUV came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring package. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), and two turbocharged three-cylinder engines were available. The test model featured the Essence trim with a 1.3-liter turbo engine, but not AWD, and included several upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $35,065. Despite the high price, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners. The interior quality was typical for the small SUV segment, but the design had some flaws, such as hard-to-read analog gauges and a vibrating head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was noted for its sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV6 had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving the car a muscular look. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter added to the futuristic feel. The EV6's design was both stylish and functional, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the 1.3-liter engine delivered 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine was available with both FWD and AWD. The FWD models used a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the AWD models had a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was mixed, feeling brittle over poorly maintained roads and too soft over speed humps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin was not particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled well on winding roads but lacked overall refinement for its premium positioning. Fuel economy averaged 28.2 mpg, falling short of the EPA estimate.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the EV6 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 horsepower and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and excellent handling. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and air vents. The cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6 also featured a front trunk on RWD models. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle also had a navigation system, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Despite the added packages, it lacked the available 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response and impressive voice recognition.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with dual 12-inch screens and a wireless charger. However, it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and offered a 3D rendering of the car. The head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to legal compliance issues.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came standard with Buick Driver Confidence, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. Adaptive cruise control was available but had some limitations. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with an impressive array of safety features. The HDA system included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist.