2021 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels: LX, S, EX, and SX, with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). Base pricing ranged from $32,190 to $42,490, excluding destination charges. The Telluride S trim offered significant value, but many opted for the top-tier SX trim, which could be equipped with a Prestige package, transforming it into a luxury SUV with features like premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display (HUD), and heated and ventilated second-row seats. The Nightfall Edition package, new for 2021, added gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a blacked-out look. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Nightfall Edition, AWD, Prestige package, and other options, had a sticker price of $50,180, including a $1,170 destination charge.

The 2021 Telluride's styling was a major selling point, with a well-executed exterior and a contemporary, high-quality interior. The transmission shifter, placed to the left side of the center console, preserved storage space and felt solid and smooth in operation. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray unless you opted for the SX trim. Despite some inexpensive-looking plastic, the Telluride's overall look and feel were impressive.

Historically, Buick took a conservative approach to styling, with softer, less aggressive character lines and simple, functional interiors. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting market trends. The Buick Enclave, introduced in 2008, replaced aging models and helped revitalize the brand. A 2018 redesign moved the Enclave further upmarket, making it the largest and most expensive model in Buick's lineup.

For 2022, the Enclave received a mid-cycle refresh with exterior styling enhancements, including a new grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim featured unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave got a restyled center console with new push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim included standard climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and unique trim and seat stitching. Our test vehicle, an Enclave Avenir with the optional Technology package, featured Ebony perforated leather seats and a deep red Rich Garnet Metallic exterior. While not quite reaching luxury levels, the Avenir trim offered a cut above in terms of materials and comfort.

The 2021 Kia Telluride featured a single powertrain: a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. Kia's Drive Mode Select technology offered Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. AWD was optional, including a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, and the Telluride had eight inches of ground clearance. During testing, the Telluride handled various terrains well, including muddy trails and snowstorms.

In Los Angeles and Malibu, the Telluride demonstrated excellent ride and handling, nearly eliminating the "head-toss" phenomenon. The suspension tuning, including a self-leveling rear suspension on EX and SX trims, provided a firm and connected sensation at slower speeds and a compliant ride at higher speeds. The Telluride's 20-inch wheels and tires offered commendable grip, and brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control technology helped it handle twisty roads. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving for the AWD Telluride, and our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave came standard with FWD, with AWD available on all trims. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave provided a smooth, quiet ride, thanks to the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The AWD-equipped test vehicle handled various terrains well, offering a premium ride on the Interstate, two-lane country roads, and inner-city streets.

The Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, with good off-the-line acceleration despite its weight. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed well, and the engine produced pleasant sounds at wide-open throttle. While we didn't take the Enclave off-road, its AWD and 7.5 inches of ground clearance suggested it could handle light off-road trails and wintry conditions.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility. The SX trim's driver's seat offered 14-way power adjustment, including lumbar and thigh support, and both front seats were heated and ventilated. The Prestige package added supple leather upholstery and acoustic sound-absorbing glass. The second-row captain's chairs, also heated and ventilated, provided easy access to the third row, which could accommodate adults. The Telluride offered ample storage, including smartphone bins, USB ports, and grocery bag hooks. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate revealed 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. All trims featured an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated and with power lumbar control. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers in all three rows, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which could comfortably seat six-footers. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and easy access to USB ports and wireless phone charging.

The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Our test vehicle's power-folding third-row seats made accessing the cargo space even easier.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The LX and S trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX and SX featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Kia's UVO Link Lite connected services plan was free for five years, with additional plans available for a subscription. The system included features like Rear Occupant Alert, remote engine start, and climate control operation. The Telluride could pair two smartphones simultaneously and offered wireless charging on upper trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive touchscreen operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Driver Talk, and Quiet Mode. The Prestige package added a head-up display with blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch reconfigurable version on Premium and Avenir trims. The Essence trim had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with two active simultaneously, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was easy to use, though some graphics looked dated. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, which was superior to the standard six-speaker system. The Enclave also included a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports.

Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance with hitch view, a digital rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came standard with eight advanced safety technologies, including blind-spot warning, lane-maintenance technology, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-monitoring system, and automatic emergency braking. EX and SX trims featured Highway Drive Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety systems included Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim added front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The 2021 Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star frontal-impact ratings for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other standard safety features included a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, but it received four out of five stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the Enclave "Good" ratings in all but one crash test, where it received an "Acceptable" score.