2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that bore a striking resemblance to its sibling, the Encore. Both models shared Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille, high beltline, and similar headlight styling, making them difficult to distinguish at a glance. However, the Encore GX's slightly longer wheelbase and additional length gave it a more balanced appearance. The optional ST (Sport Touring) appearance package enhanced its aesthetic appeal with body-color moldings, custom grille, sport bumpers, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats in higher trims, though some controls were cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, giving the Sorento a more adventurous look. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, with Rust-colored leather and a 14-way power driver's seat in the SX Prestige trim. The second-row captain’s chairs and available panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, though the third-row seating was cramped for adults. The Sorento's cabin was well-constructed, with thoughtful design details and ample storage solutions.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options: a 1.2-liter engine with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter engine producing 155 hp. The 1.2-liter engine was standard on the Preferred and Select trims, while the 1.3-liter was standard on the Essence trim. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Encore GX's 1.3-liter engine and CVT provided adequate power, though the ride was noisier than expected for a Buick. The vehicle's handling was uninspiring, and noise levels were higher than anticipated, despite Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, was more satisfying. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing a lively driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan. The X-Line package increased ground clearance, but the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. Fuel economy was lower than expected, with an average of 20.7 mpg during testing.

Despite its compact size, the 2022 Buick Encore GX provided a comfortable experience for passengers. The vehicle offered easy ingress and egress, with controls that were straightforward to use. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. Cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX featured a two-level cargo floor and an optional hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats in the SX Prestige trim. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard, providing comfort and convenience for passengers. However, the third-row seating was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a WiFi hotspot. The vehicle also featured a range of driver-assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advanced Technology package added features like HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

In the 2022 Kia Sorento, the base LX trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims had a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, despite sharing similar technology.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was equipped with a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. It received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. However, headlight ratings varied, with the top trim receiving an "Acceptable" rating and lower trims a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying safety features depending on the trim. The Sorento offered unique features like a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the highest headlight rating for top trims. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.