The crossover segment continues to be one of the most competitive markets in the automotive industry by offering a blend of versatility, style, and practicality. Two popular crossovers in this segment are the 2023 Buick Envision and the 2023 Kia Sportage. Both vehicles aim to capture your attention with their unique features, technology, and performance. Let's dive in and see which crossover is the one for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Envision has a striking, modern design while the Sportage has a sportier, aggressive design.
- The Envision has a refined interior while the Sportage has a more practical interior.
- The Envision comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the Sportage comes with three options of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
- Both vehicles have great safety features.
- The Envision has a market price of about $36,000 while the Sportage has a market price of about $28,000.
Exterior
The Envision gives a striking, modern design that exudes a dynamic, elegant vibe. With its bold front grille, sharp LED headlights and taillights, and aerodynamic proportions, the Envision presents an aggressive but upscale look. The Envision also comes with hands-free programmable power liftgate and either 18-inch or 20-inch silver aluminum wheels or dark aluminum wheels.
The Sportage flaunts a more sporty but modern design. It features a distinctive Tiger-Nose grille, sculpted body lines, and boomerang-style LED lighting that give it a youthful and dynamic appearance. The Sportage comes with different colors that allow you to decide which design matches your personality. Though your design preferences may vary, both crossovers offer attractive styling cues. Your choice will come down to your personal preference.
Interior
Inside the Envision, you'll find a well-crafted cabin that gives a classy feel. The Envision’s spacious interior provides ample room for passengers in the front and rear seats thanks to the 60/40 rear seat design. However, the cargo space is less than other crossovers with a space of 25.2 cubic feet (with the seats up). Nevertheless, it features comfortable seating, fancy touches, and a driver-focused cockpit. As for technology, the Envision comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bose sound system, navigation, rearview mirror camera, heads-up display, and wireless charging.
The Sportage offers a modern and driver-oriented interior. While the Sportage may not match the Envision's premium feel, it compensates with its user-friendly layout and practicality. The Sportage's cabin is well-appointed with its futuristic and elegant feel that offers a generous amount of space for occupants. Plus, the cargo space of the Sportage is 39.5 cubic feet, which is quite large in comparison to other crossovers. As for technology, the Sportage comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen display, digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Harman/Kardon sound system, wireless charger, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Performance
The Envision comes equipped with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. With its smooth and responsive performance, the Envision provides confident acceleration and refined handling with its nine-speed automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency of the Envision is 23 city/31 highway with a fuel tank of 15.9 gallons. Additionally, the Envision offers available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability on various road conditions.
The Sportage offers three engine options:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 25–28 MPG
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with 227 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and 38–43 MPG
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid with 261 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, and 84 MPGe
With different engine options, the Sportage provides respectable performance and handling with its eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sportage has built a reputation for delivering value and reliability that makes it an enticing option for those seeking a well-rounded crossover.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for both the Envision and Sportage. The Envision offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, it comes with available features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display for added convenience and safety.
The Sportage also prioritizes safety by providing features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and blind-spot collision warning. While the specific features may vary based on trim levels and optional packages, both crossovers excel in this crucial aspect.
Price
The Envision has an MSRP range of about $33,000–$47,000 and a fair market price of about $36,000. The Sportage has an MSRP range of about $27,000–$36,000 and a fair market price of about $28,000.
When it comes to pricing, the Kia Sportage has traditionally been known for offering a strong value proposition. It tends to be priced competitively by making it an appealing option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Envision positions itself as a more premium offering with a slightly higher price tag but an emphasis on luxury and upscale features.
Overview
Both crossovers have their strengths and unique selling points. The Envision impresses with its sophisticated design, luxurious interior, and refined performance. However, the Sportage offers a sportier look, practicality, and a reputation for value. Ultimately, choosing between these two vehicles will depend on personal preferences, budget, and specific needs.