2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a spacious and stylish design that harkened back to the brand's glory days. The Enclave's exterior, especially in the Avenir trim, featured a distinctive grille, polished 20-inch wheels, and a sophisticated presence that rivaled more expensive SUVs. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather, polished accents, and a unique electronic transmission shifter, although the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse presented itself as a practical and stylish family SUV, with a design refresh that included new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. The Traverse RS trim, with its blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, offered a sporty appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS featured a black leather interior with red and gray stitching, providing a modern and functional cabin. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the Traverse's interior was well-organized, with intuitive controls and a focus on practicality, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Enclave to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 engine's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the SUV's size belied its nimble handling. The Enclave's premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a smooth ride across various terrains, while the steering and brake response were well-calibrated. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

Similarly, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, also delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse's towing capacity matched the Enclave's at 5,000 pounds. The V6 engine provided adequate power for everyday tasks, and the Traverse's ride quality was firm yet comfortable. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, to adapt to different conditions. The Traverse's EPA fuel economy rating was 20 mpg in combined driving, and it returned 20.9 mpg during testing. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with a suspension that limited body roll and provided a flat cornering attitude.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, along with a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and triple-zone climate control. The third-row seat was spacious, and the Enclave provided 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, offered seven-passenger seating with captain's chairs in the second row. The Traverse's interior included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and wide rear doors facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's cargo space was generous, with 23 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet. The SUV also featured hidden storage compartments for added convenience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like smart home integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but the technology package required additional subscriptions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and a WiFi hotspot. The Traverse's voice recognition system was responsive, and the RS trim included a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert. The digital rearview mirror was a useful feature, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available only on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

In 2022, the Chevrolet Traverse made Chevy Safety Assist standard across all trims, offering features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received "Good" ratings in most IIHS collision tests, though its side-impact rating was "Acceptable."