2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, stood out with its American-made appeal and premium looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and luxurious leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple and elegant, except for the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as the brand's flagship SUV in 2020, replaced the Santa Fe XL. It featured an elegant and striking exterior design with distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches. The Palisade's profile was visually interesting, with a continuous strip of glass surfaces creating a floating rear roof effect. LED headlights, running lights, and taillights added to its premium look. Inside, the Palisade offered a horizontally arrayed screen, high-quality materials, and a spacious second and third row. The top-of-the-line Calligraphy model was particularly stunning with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior combination.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade came with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 featured gasoline direct injection, dual variable valve timing, and Atkinson-cycle capability for improved efficiency. The Palisade's EPA estimates were 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. The Palisade handled well, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and self-leveling system on higher trims. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

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 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a stylish center console. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and easy to access, with commendable space behind it measuring 23.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row down provided 58 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, the maximum cargo space was 97.6 cubic feet.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs were particularly comfortable, and the front row had ample storage options. Luggage space behind the third row measured 18.0 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space. The Palisade's shift-by-wire setup and intuitive controls made for a user-friendly experience. Higher trims featured luxury amenities like a dual-panel sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and power-folding third-row seats.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and USB charging ports in all three rows. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a neat feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess. The standard display audio system on lower trims featured an 800 x 480 resolution screen, while higher trims boasted a 1920 x 720 color touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims also featured a head-up display, digital instrument cluster, and Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system with remote functions.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims, and the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, was standard only on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control was exclusive to the Avenir trim with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but missed out on a Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS due to Marginal headlight performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade offered a comprehensive list of standard and available safety features. Standard features included seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and a head-up display. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.