2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and clear instrumentation. The interior offered a high-contrast look with available colors like black, gray, and beige, and the controls were user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting its traditional customer base. However, over the years, Buick shifted its focus to SUVs, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, replaced older models and gained popularity. The 2022 refresh brought exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias, while the Avenir trim featured unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave received a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior exuded a near-luxury feel, with exclusive seat patterns and comfortable seating options.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, delivered a more robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for high-altitude locations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm, giving it a lively character. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though it exhibited some body roll and lateral rocking. While fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to its premium ride suspension and QuietTuning technology. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, delivering good acceleration. The nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly, and the engine produced pleasant sounds. While not designed for off-roading, the Enclave's AWD and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and wintry conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The smart liftgate technology added convenience but could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable cabin. With easy ingress and egress, the Enclave offered excellent visibility and power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support. The Premium and Avenir trims added massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's three-row configuration accommodated six adults comfortably, with captain's chairs in the second row for easy access. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 97.4 cubic feet available with both rear rows folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, but the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims offering an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though it could use more power. The Enclave also offered a range of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates in safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trim added enhanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.