2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. It was available in four trims: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. The Enclave's design was striking, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, designed to accommodate a third row of seats. Its elegant design retained classic Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modern touches included slimmer lighting and improved paint finish. The Grand Cherokee L was available in various trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering impressive aesthetics. New paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky. The interior was luxurious, with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L's spaciousness extended to the third row, making it suitable for adults. However, the air vents were somewhat inadequate, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

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 acceleration was robust, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth, and the Avenir Technology Package enhanced the ride with a premium-tuned suspension and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's suspension excelled in various driving conditions, providing a comfortable ride. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A 4xe plug-in hybrid option was also available, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, and engine noise was noticeable. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was impressive, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Fuel economy for the V6 was 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 17 mpg combined.

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, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included 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 access was easy through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with sleek graphics and physical switches for climate and audio controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a bench seat option. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be on high, which was noisy.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response and logical interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and the sound system was less impressive. The rear camera mirror was a unique feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered advanced technology, especially in upper trims. Features included massage modes for front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options available on higher trims.

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, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim with an additional package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating. IIHS ratings were high, but headlight performance was rated Marginal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Various driver aids were also standard, with additional features available on higher trims.