2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, offering a large, shiny, and impressive SUV that harkened back to the brand's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, standing out with its American-made appeal and luxurious Avenir trim, which added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more modern and refined aesthetic, reflecting Buick's shift towards a fully SUV lineup. The mid-cycle refresh brought several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim received exclusive styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort and luxury. The 2022 model continued to cater to Buick's traditional customer base while appealing to a broader audience with its updated design and features.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Enclave offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The V6 engine's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly. The Avenir Technology Package, with its premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive across various driving environments, and it achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Buick Enclave retained the same powertrain, offering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The AWD-equipped test vehicle, with the Avenir Technology package, provided a premium ride with continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The Enclave excelled in delivering a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. The 2022 model maintained its towing capacity and offered a refined driving experience, making it a strong contender in the medium-large crossover SUV market.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with standard triple-zone climate control and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat provided commendable room, and the Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave continued to provide a spacious and comfortable cabin, with easy ingress and egress. The Enclave's large windshield and window openings ensured excellent visibility. The Premium and Avenir trims featured power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The third row accommodated six-footers comfortably, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated access. The restyled center console housed push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience to accessing the cargo area.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of what's behind the Enclave.

The 2022 Buick Enclave improved its technology offerings, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a performance-enhanced 10-speaker Bose system. The Enclave supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision, enhancing the Enclave's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control required the Avenir trim and Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact rating. IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant safety updates, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. It included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, and more. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but it received a four-star rollover resistance rating. IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.