2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a return to form for the brand, reminiscent of its glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious feel with soft leather, polished accents, and a minimalist design, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, save for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Defender retained its distinctive boxy profile, reminiscent of the original Defender and classic Series Land Rovers. While it maintained retro elements like a tailgate-mounted spare tire, the modern Defender was larger, offering more interior space and improved ergonomics. The interior design emphasized ruggedness with exposed metal and screws, yet it remained functional and comfortable. The Defender 90 V8 test car featured a mix of leather and suede upholstery, suitable for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from its large tires.

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. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The V6's low torque peak contributed to its smooth driving experience, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a comfortable ride across various terrains. 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 Land Rover Defender offered three powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower, a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid with 395 horsepower, and a new 518-horsepower V8 engine. All models featured a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The V8 engine delivered impressive performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The Defender's suspension and handling were tuned for sportier driving, although the V8 model felt less poised than the six-cylinder version. Despite its off-road focus, the Defender was comfortable on-road, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well and minimized crosswind effects.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated leather seats with massage functions, along with a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and ample storage. The third-row seat was roomy, and the Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided versatile seating options, with the two-door Defender 90 offering 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats and the four-door Defender 110 available in two-row or three-row configurations. The Defender 110 offered up to 70.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large center-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. Land Rover also offered exterior cargo solutions, such as a roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and the sound system lacked high-end audio components. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. The interface was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, head-up display, and a surround-view camera system, useful for off-roading.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Defender had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, which is common for luxury vehicles.