2022 Buick Encore GX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design elements, such as the highback tail with a lip spoiler, voluptuous curves akin to a Porsche 911, and squinting headlights, contributed to its aggressive and stylish look. The EV6's interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Encore GX maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, closely resembling its sibling, the Encore. The Encore GX's design was enhanced by the optional ST appearance package, which added sporty elements like custom grille and sport bumpers. Inside, the Encore GX offered a comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials and leather seats on higher trims. While not as visually striking as the EV6, the Encore GX provided a handsome and practical design that appealed to those seeking a more conventional SUV look.

The 2022 Kia EV6 delivered impressive performance with its GT-Line e-AWD model, boasting 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's regenerative braking system provided multiple settings for deceleration, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was affected by cold weather, falling short of its EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX offered a choice of two turbocharged three-cylinder engines, with the 1.3-liter engine producing 155 horsepower. While not as powerful as the EV6, the Encore GX's powertrain was surprisingly capable, providing adequate power for everyday driving. The ride was less settled than expected, and noise levels were higher than anticipated for a Buick. The Encore GX's handling was drama-free, but its driving dynamics were generally uninspiring. It was more suited for urban and suburban driving rather than performance-oriented adventures.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a unique climate control system integrated with the stereo controls. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable and easy-to-live-with interior. Ingress and egress were effortless, and controls were clearly marked and legible. Front-seat headroom and legroom were ample, though rear-seat knee room was tight. The cargo space measured 23.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Encore GX's cargo area was practical, with a two-level floor and the ability to accommodate longer items when needed.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a user-friendly infotainment system with dual 12-inch screens, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6 featured advanced driver-assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist and blind-spot monitoring. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It included standard features like Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and SiriusXM radio. The Encore GX's driver-assistance features included 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 intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with tech anxiety.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GT-Line trim added evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. It offered a range of safety features, including Teen Driver technology and a tire-fill alert system. The Encore GX's headlights received varying ratings, with LED headlights on the Essence trim rated "Acceptable."