2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, offering a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, standing out with its impressive design and premium 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 luxurious leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its simplicity, the interior was marred by a fussy electronic transmission shifter, which users quickly adapted to.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a unique appearance, borrowing styling elements from other Genesis models but maintaining its distinct identity. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a sleek, fastback look. The Sport Prestige model added character with its specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's elliptical theme, inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, was evident in the controls and door handles. The interior was minimalistic yet luxurious, with a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller, and offered a variety of color options, including Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. The SUV had a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the ride with a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode sharpened throttle response and held high revs for quick overtaking. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and the exhaust sound was not particularly pleasant.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. Its QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass ensured a serene cabin environment. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided adequate headroom and legroom in both rows. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The GV70's daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the sound system was not as advanced as competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. It also had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70's Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs, though its lane-centering function struggled with curves.