2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Buick Enclave bursts onto the scene promising refined power, boasting 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, creating a truly muscular crossover experience compared to the efficient 2026 Kia Sorento, which offers a spirited 191 hp. The Sorento, while less potent, dominates on fuel economy with a combined 26 MPG versus the Enclave's 23 MPG. Design differences are significant: the Enclave dwarfs the Sorento in size, measuring 207.6 inches long to the Kia's 189.6 inches, providing a substantially larger interior footprint. However, the financial gap is the widest chasm, with the Enclave commanding an MSRP of $45,100 against the Sorentoβs accessible $32,190. This $12,910 difference dictates the overall value proposition, balancing Buick's luxury push against Kia's efficiency and affordability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 26 combined MPG and lower running costs.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave provides a more spacious environment, evidenced by its larger 207.6-inch length and greater overall passenger/cargo volume.
2025 Buick Enclave
The massive 137 hp advantage, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, makes the Buick the undeniable driver's choice.
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento is the definitive value winner, costing $12,910 less than the Buick Enclave for a capable, efficient crossover package.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- You demand significant power, needing the 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque for freeway passing.
- Maximum comfort and interior space are paramount, utilizing the Enclave's significantly larger 207.6-inch frame.
- You desire a premium driving experience that justifies the $45,100 entry price point.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Saving money is a top priority, leveraging the $12,910 lower MSRP of $32,190.
- Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, benefiting from the Sorento's better 31 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer a more maneuverable crossover with dimensions closer to 190 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 189.6" |
| Width | 79.6" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.0" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Third Row Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Preparation System | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| Headlight Delay-Off | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | β | β |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | β | β |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Front View Camera | β | β |
| Side View Camera | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Rear Parking Sensors | β | β |
| Wireless Charging Pad | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Front Seatback Storage | β | β |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | β | β |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Heated Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Three Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
| Sun Sensor | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | β | β |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | β | β |
| Leather Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Single Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | β | β |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | β |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | β |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | β |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | β |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | β |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | β |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | β |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | β | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Reclining Rear Seats | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | β | β |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | β |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | β | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | β | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | β | β |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | β |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Buick Enclave compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento?
The Buick Enclave boasts a substantial performance advantage, delivering 328 hp versus the Sorento's 191 hp, resulting in a 137 hp difference across the two powertrains.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for city driving?
The 2026 Kia Sorento is more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, achieving 23 MPG city, outperforming the 2025 Buick Enclave's 20 MPG city rating.
Is the price gap between the two models significant enough to warrant a decision?
Yes, the price difference is dramatic: the Enclave starts at $45,100 while the Sorento begins at just $32,190, a difference of $12,910.
Does the larger size of the Enclave translate to notably better cargo room?
The Enclave is physically much larger (207.6 inches vs 189.6 inches), which translates to better stated cargo capacity: 22.9 cubic feet versus the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.
Are both vehicles optimized for efficiency or performance given their MPG and HP?
The Sorento leans heavily toward efficiency, balancing 26 combined MPG with 191 hp, whereas the Enclave prioritizes performance with 328 hp despite achieving only 23 combined MPG.
Do these models use the same type of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Kia Sorento are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling costs for owners of either vehicle.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool