Enclave vs Sorento
Buick brings the Enclave; Kia answers with the Sorento. Both play in the three-row suv class. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Engine & Performance0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Enclave has 137 hp more power
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 328 hp for the Enclave versus 191 hp for the Sorento. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Enclave has 145 lb-ft more torque
The Sorento lists 181 lb-ft; the Enclave comes in at 326 lb-ft. That’s not a rounding error. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
In the engine & performance category, the Enclave isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Enclave takes this one with 137 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Enclave.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Sorento: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Sorento: 181 lb-ft The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Enclave’s and the Sorento’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 191 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 181 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Enclave if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 191 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft of torque)
- you prefer staying with Buick
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Sorento?
On the specs compared here, the Enclave makes more sense for most buyers; the Sorento doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Enclave and the Sorento on their merits. The Enclave earns my vote first and foremost with 137 hp more power.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Enclave suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the Sorento suits those focused on the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Enclave.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.