2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar 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 managed to survive due to its popularity in China. The Enclave, a large American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's illustrious past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a range of trims from Preferred to Avenir, with prices starting just over $41,000. The Enclave's design was impressive, with the Avenir trim adding 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, though the wood was not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's long history in luxury SUVs. The Velar's design was a scaled-down version of the iconic Range Rover, with a sporty yet sophisticated look. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and trapezoidal roof were unmistakably Range Rover. The Velar's design was further enhanced by subtle adjustments like the sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, giving it a streamlined appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and the interior, even in the base trim, was of exemplary fit and finish. However, the Velar's design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were questionable and could be frustrating for some drivers.

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 acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a comfortable ride. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Velar also offered a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune, with the R-Dynamic HSE producing 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain offered high performance while reducing emissions, though the Velar's off-road capabilities were limited compared to larger Range Rover models.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, offered less interior space compared to midsize SUVs. The Velar's design reduced headroom and visibility, and cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's interior design choices, like the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, and the new shifter design was cumbersome. However, the Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was an improvement, offering a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and a heated windshield.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in screen size, smart home integration, and high-end audio components. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system offered features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could identify frequent routes and suggest detours, while the 4x4 app provided off-road measurements. The Velar's instrument panel offered customizable layouts, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited to higher trim levels. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The Velar's safety features were comprehensive, though its crash-test ratings were not directly comparable to U.S. standards.