2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, harking back to its glory days with its impressive size and American-made craftsmanship. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past while meeting modern consumer demands for SUVs. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a range of trims from Preferred to Avenir, with prices starting just over $41,000. Its design was both elegant and commanding, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The cabin was simple yet sophisticated, with the only drawback being the somewhat complicated electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, yet it distinguished itself with a unique front-end design featuring the Infiniti grille. The QX80's styling was tasteful, with LED lighting and chrome accents adding to its upscale appearance. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80 offered a more luxurious cabin than the Armada, with high-quality materials and a spacious feel. The Sensory-trim test vehicle featured quilted semi-aniline leather seats and tasteful wood trim. However, despite its upscale interior, the QX80's design was beginning to show its age compared to newer competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high standards set by other premium full-size SUVs.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft 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. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and it handled like a smaller vehicle despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave's suspension was particularly impressive, providing a comfortable ride across various terrains. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine generating 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, offered smooth and linear power delivery. The QX80's V8 was known for its impressive performance and satisfying exhaust note, though it required premium fuel. The SUV's towing capacity was a generous 8,500 pounds, making it suitable for hauling large trailers or boats. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive with a computer-controlled transfer case. The Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering, though the QX80's size and weight were still evident in tight turns.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a stylish center console and plenty of storage space. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the SUV offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded.

In comparison, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height. Once inside, the cabin felt open and airy, with good headroom and legroom in the front seats. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was less impressive than some competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were convenient but slow to operate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than those in some competitors, and it lacked integration with smart home assistants. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system and a rear camera mirror, but the technology package fell short in terms of screen size and audio quality compared to rivals.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included navigation, voice recognition, and connected services. A Bose 13-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker system available on the Sensory trim. The QX80 also offered a dual-screen rear entertainment system, though it lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist due to its older architecture.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 had not been rated by the NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection. The QX80's safety features were competitive, though it lacked some advanced driver-assistance systems found in newer models.