Compare the2025 Buick EnclaveVS 2025 Kia Sorento

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics

Safety

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The Enclave has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Sorento doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The Buick Enclave’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Kia Sorento does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Enclave and the Sorento have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available all wheel drive, front parking sensors and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Buick Enclave is safer than the Kia Sorento:

	Enclave	Sorento
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	165	446
Neck Injury Risk	20.1%	23%
Neck Stress	178 lbs.	208 lbs.
Neck Compression	2 lbs.	58 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	32/13 lbs.	276/445 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	234	340
Neck Injury Risk	35.9%	43%
Neck Compression	48 lbs.	52 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Enclave is much safer than the Sorento:

	Enclave	Sorento
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	67/90 pounds	202/315 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	67/90 pounds	202/315 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Buick Enclave is safer than the Kia Sorento:

	Enclave	Sorento
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
Abdominal Force	73 lbs.	117 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	15 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Buick Enclave has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sorento is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The Enclave’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Sorento’s (6/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

There are over 16 percent more Buick dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Enclave’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Enclave has a standard 220-amp alternator. The Sorento’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Enclave’s reliability 11 points higher than the Sorento.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Buick vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Buick third in reliability, above the industry average. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 8th.

Engine

The Enclave’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 137 more horsepower (328 vs. 191) and 145 lbs.-ft. more torque (326 vs. 181) than the Sorento LX/S’ standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Enclave’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 47 more horsepower (328 vs. 281) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (326 vs. 311) than the Sorento EX/SX’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

The Enclave FWD’s standard fuel tank has 1.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sorento (19.4 vs. 17.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Enclave AWD’s standard fuel tank has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sorento (21.7 vs. 17.7 gallons).

The Enclave has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Sorento doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

The Enclave stops much shorter than the Sorento:

	Enclave	Sorento
60 to 0 MPH	109 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Enclave has larger standard tires than the Sorento (255/55R20 vs. 235/65R17). The Enclave’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sorento (275/45R22 vs. 255/45R20).

The Enclave’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento LX’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Enclave has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Sorento LX. The Enclave’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Sorento EX/SX.

The Buick Enclave’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Kia Sorento only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

The Enclave offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Sorento’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Enclave’s wheelbase is 10.1 inches longer than on the Sorento (120.9 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Enclave is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Sorento.

The Enclave Avenir AWD handles at .81 G’s, while the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

Chassis

The front grille of the Enclave uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sorento doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Enclave uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sorento doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Enclave has 2.3 inches more front headroom, 2.9 inches more front legroom, 3.1 inches more front hip room, 3.1 inches more front shoulder room, .9 inches more rear headroom, 3.4 inches more rear hip room, 4 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.5 inches more third row headroom, 2.5 inches more third row legroom, 6 inches more third row hip room and 4.8 inches more third row shoulder room than the Sorento.

Cargo Capacity

The Enclave’s cargo area provides more volume than the Sorento.

	Enclave	Sorento
Behind Third Seat	22.9 cubic feet	12.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	57.1 cubic feet	38.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	97.5 cubic feet	75.5 cubic feet

Both the Enclave and the Sorento offer second row automatic folding seats. The Enclave’s optional third row seats also fold up or down at the press of a switch. The Sorento doesn’t offer automatic folding third row seats.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Kia Sorento is limited to 4500 pounds. The Enclave offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Enclave uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Sorento uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Buick service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Buick 9th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 38% lower rating, Kia is ranked 27th.

Ergonomics

The Enclave’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Sorento does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Enclave offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, navigation instruction, infotainment and driver assistance information readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Sorento doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Enclave’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Sorento’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

The Enclave’s standard Keyless Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the Sorento doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Enclave’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Sorento’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Enclave Avenir has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Sorento doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Enclave’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sorento offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Buick Enclave has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Sorento SX.

The Enclave has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Sorento Prestige.

The Enclave Avenir has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Sorento.

The Enclave has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sorento S/EX/SX.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Buick Enclave has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Sorento S/EX/SX offers wireless charging.

The Enclave’s optional Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Sorento doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

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