2022 Kia Telluride vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, stood out with its American-made build and premium looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Telluride drew consumers with its muscular design, balanced proportions, and trendy blacked-out wheels and trim. Kia made only minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges for 2022. The Telluride's interior was upscale and organized, with thoughtful details like overhead air vents, rear smartphone storage pouches, and USB ports in the front seatbacks. The SX Prestige package added premium Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, making the interior feel more expensive. The Telluride's three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, and the one-touch sliding and folding second-row seat mechanism made accessing the third row easy. The Telluride also offered ample storage space, with a maximum cargo volume of 87 cubic feet.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 21.2 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, offered a satisfying driving experience. The eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD with Lock mode provided good performance on various terrains. The Telluride's brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and multiple driving modes contributed to its enjoyable ride quality. The Telluride matched the EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving during testing, with the AWD version returning 21.1 mpg.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and easy to access, and the cargo space measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with its upscale interior design and practical features. The Telluride's three rows of seats were comfortable for adults, and the second-row seats slid and folded with a one-touch mechanism for easy access to the third row. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded. The SX Prestige package added premium touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen display was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror that provided a live video feed of what was behind the vehicle.

For 2022, Kia made its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard in the Telluride, including navigation and voice recognition. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wire. Kia Connect provided a range of connected services, including emergency assistance, remote engine start, and smart speaker integration. The Telluride also featured a Quiet Mode, Driver Talk function, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system in the SX trim.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed out on a Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS due to Marginal headlight performance.

The 2022 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features under the Kia Drive Wise umbrella, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Telluride also featured Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve, and Safe Exit Assist. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS.