2025 Buick Enclave vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The new design featured a robust front end with a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims receiving LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's interior was revamped with a cleaner dashboard, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, offering a more upscale feel, with options for green and brown interior colors adding character.

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern exterior, reminiscent of the Envista, with slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline. The side profile was more generic, but the overall look was sharper than its predecessor. Standard 20-inch wheels on the base trim and unique finishes on higher trims added to its appeal. Inside, the Enclave boasted a floating center console and a large curved display, creating a futuristic ambiance. The seats were trimmed in perforated leatherette, enhancing the premium feel. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, especially for a vehicle positioned as near-luxury.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering better acceleration and passing power. The Sorento was available in front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro offering improved towing capacity and engine cooling.

The 2025 Buick Enclave came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by the AWD option, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's driving dynamics were more akin to a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds. Active Noise Cancellation was standard for road noise, but engine noise cancellation was only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a comfortable cabin in the first two rows, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tighter, with 29.6 inches of legroom, but it was still competitive compared to larger vehicles. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior layout was ergonomic, with ample storage space and optional features like heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger. Captain's chairs in the second row allowed for a seven-person capacity. The Enclave Avenir offered heated second-row seats and ventilated front seats. Tri-zone climate control was standard, and the power-folding third-row seats were available on higher trims. The Enclave provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with a 12.3-inch screen standard across all trims. The new infotainment system, "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased a 30-inch ultrawide touchscreen, integrating the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system on the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included the Drivewise suite of active safety features, with adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as standard. Optional features included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, but the LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist as standard. Super Cruise, GM's hands-free driving technology, was available on all trims. The Enclave had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model received favorable ratings in most tests.