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Buick Enclave vs Kia Sorento

Buick Enclave vs. Kia Sorento

Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews

Buick Enclave

$720

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Kia Sorento

$533

Average Annual

Repair Cost

Overall Reliability Rating

Average

The Buick Enclave Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 24th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $720 which means it has average ownership costs. Both the frequency and severity of repairs is higher than normal, so the Enclave is more likely to require major repairs when compared to other cars.

Excellent

The Kia Sorento Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 12th out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $533 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Sorento is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.

Cost

Average annual repairs total

$720

inexpensive

expensive

$533

inexpensive

expensive

Frequency

Average annual repair shop visits

0.54

not often

very often

0.29

not often

very often

Severity

Percentage of annual repairs that are urgent

18%

not urgent

urgent

11%

not urgent

urgent

Overall Car Ratings & Details

(20 Reviews)

(104 Reviews)

5		(4)
4		(8)
3		(6)
2		(2)
1		(0)

Read reviews

“Vehicle rides, handles great. Very quiet at all speeds. We have had continuous problems since 17000 miles. Now have 31000 miles. Car is in shop for warranty repairs one or two times a month...”

“Vehicle rides, handles great. Very quiet at all speeds. We have had continuous problems since...”

303 known problems

33 known recalls

5		(2)
4		(37)
3		(31)
2		(23)
1		(11)

Read reviews

The Kia Sorento ranks highest in interior and ranks lowest in safety.

“Absoulutely wonderful. The headlights have both been replaced, but no other issues of any kind. I love it.”

“Absoulutely wonderful. The headlights have both been replaced, but no other issues of any kind. ...”

1770 known problems

35 known recalls

Vehicle Comparison Rundown

Kia Sorento and the Buick Enclave are both three-row midsize SUVs. They both come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. While the Sorento is a popular-priced SUV, the Enclave is considered a luxury SUV.

The Kia Sorento comes with a standard engine that has 185 horsepower, and an optional engine with 290 horsepower. The Buick Enclave has a single engine, with 310 horsepower. Score one for the Enclave.

The Kia Sorento also trails the Buick Enclave in terms of cargo space. The Sorento provides 73 cubic feet of space with the second- and third-row seats folded. The Enclave has quite a bit more, with 97.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. That’s another one for the Enclave.

The mass-market Sorento does not have as much standard equipment as the luxury-class Enclave, but that’s also reflected in the large difference in their pricing. The higher-priced Enclave offers a power moonroof and power seats standard. These are available in higher trim levels of the lower-priced Sorento, which are priced closer to the Enclave’s starting price.

Another area of difference: The Sorento earns a higher RepairPal reliability rating and carries a lower average annual cost of repairs than the Enclave. It's something to keep in mind.

This comparison is a matter of power, space, luxury and price. If you’re on a tight budget and are fine with the Sorento’s space and equipment, choose it and pocket the difference. But if you want more cargo room, engine output and luxury, then the Enclave should satisfy you.

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