Kia Sorento vs Buick Envision

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, available in China and North America, positioned itself between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick’s lineup. The 2021 model was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more premium crossover styling that gave it a planted appearance. The Envision’s sculpted look was more pronounced than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The three trim levels—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir—offered distinct looks, with the Avenir trim making its debut in the Envision lineup. The Avenir grade featured upgraded exterior elements, including a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille, 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels, and a unique interior trim pattern with leather-appointed seating.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded serious presence. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV’s already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive, Wolf Gray paint, and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive started at $29,590, making the Sorento accessible at various price points. Regardless of the version, the Sorento’s cabin reflected quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction. The SUV’s interior style and practical storage space made it a compelling choice for buyers.

The 2021 Buick Envision saw a significant change in its powertrain with the introduction of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.5-liter engine. This new engine produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, a downgrade from the 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque of the 2020 model. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision’s performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. The front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD models achieving 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. AWD versions fared slightly worse. However, the engine and road noise during acceleration and deceleration detracted from the premium feel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The more satisfying option was the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience. The AWD system allowed the Sorento to reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and communication. However, the fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 20.5 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Buick Envision’s redesign did not translate into a more functional cabin. Despite a longer wheelbase, the 2021 model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The driver-centric cockpit limited the front passenger’s access to controls, and forward visibility was poor. However, the Envision offered standard heated seats, power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard from the EX trim, with heated seats in the SX Prestige X-Line. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet with the third row up, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento’s “smart” power tailgate made loading easier.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch and displaying necessary functionalities. The driver could use an 8.0-inch driver information display for quicker access to information. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, a surround-view camera, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, came with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim level. Our test vehicle included features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist were also available. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.