2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying the brand's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its American-made charm, offering a luxurious appearance that could rival premium-priced SUVs. The Avenir trim, in particular, enhanced its visual appeal with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist design, soft leather, and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity in its interior, except for the somewhat tricky electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson presented a modern and stylish design, riding on a new platform with a long-wheelbase model in the U.S. The Tucson's exterior featured a parametric grille with integrated LED lights, creating a distinctive look reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird. Its side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, while the rear showcased LED taillights. The Tucson offered a range of wheel sizes and designs, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Tucson's cabin was well-appointed, with stain-resistant cloth seats and a spacious layout. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of openness, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. With a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Enclave was versatile for various driving needs. The premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, available in the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across different terrains. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid engine. The ICE engine delivered 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid powertrain offered 226 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided a more engaging driving experience, especially during elevation changes. The Tucson's hybrid model outperformed competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid in terms of power. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Tucson Hybrid boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 38 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid version was also in the works, promising even more power and efficiency.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious features like power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the SUV provided generous cargo space, with up to 97.6 cubic feet available when the second-row seats were folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson, a compact SUV, offered a spacious interior with a focus on comfort and practicality. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering an eight-way version and additional amenities like heated and ventilated seats. The Tucson's new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with a 74.8 cubic-foot cargo area. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the cabin accommodated a family of four comfortably. The Tucson's interior was well-appointed, with a dual-level cargo floor and a hands-free liftgate available on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it fell short in terms of screen size and advanced audio components. The Avenir trim's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as impressive as competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, enhancing visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with a robust set of standard tech features, including an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, although it required wired connections for smartphone integration. The Tucson's tech setup included a digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and a user-friendly interface. The touchpoints on the center console were responsive, though the steering wheel controls could be more intuitive.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai's warranty coverage was extensive, providing peace of mind for Tucson owners.