2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Buick Encore GX

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was a compact SUV that closely resembled its sibling, the Encore, with both models featuring Buick's signature trapezoidal "waterfall" grille and similar headlight styling. The Encore GX, however, was slightly longer, which 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 found to be cumbersome.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid embraced a bold design with a radically styled front end, angular LED headlights, and distinctive "boomerang" LED daytime running lights. The Sportage Hybrid shared its platform with the larger Kia Sorento, resulting in increased dimensions that benefited rear-seat legroom. The interior was designed around a large optional infotainment display, offering a clean and minimalist look. While the base models featured cloth seats, higher trims used SynTex artificial leather, which felt less premium. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was both functional and stylish, with clever storage solutions and a focus on technology.

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. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Encore GX's powertrain, particularly the 1.3-liter engine paired with a CVT, provided adequate power for everyday driving, though it was somewhat noisy and lacked inspiring driving dynamics. The ride was less refined than expected, with noticeable noise and vibration levels.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, contributing to a quiet cabin and comfortable ride. While not a driver's car, the Sportage Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX, despite its compact size, provided a comfortable experience with easy ingress and egress, clear controls, and excellent visibility. Front-seat headroom and legroom were adequate, though rear-seat knee room was limited. The Encore GX offered 23.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. A two-level cargo floor added versatility, and the optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced convenience.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid model. It provided more front-seat headroom than some rivals but less for rear passengers. The Sportage Hybrid's dual-level cargo floor allowed for 39.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. Clever storage solutions, such as a rotary shift knob and adjustable cupholders, maximized available space.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX came equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Available features included navigation, Amazon Alexa capability, and an Advanced Technology package with HD surround vision and adaptive cruise control. The system was user-friendly, with intuitive app layouts and efficient voice recognition.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch panoramic display. The system was visually impressive and responsive, with touch controls that switched between audio and climate functions. Hybrid models included multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Buick Encore GX was well-equipped with standard driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. It performed excellently in NHTSA crash tests, earning five stars overall, and received high ratings from the IIHS, though headlight performance varied by trim.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's safety features varied by trim, with the base LX offering forward collision warning and lane keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. While crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time, the Sportage Hybrid offered advanced safety technology, including Remote Smart Parking Assist.