2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, which had struggled to regain its former glory after a period of decline. The Enclave, as the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, was a nod to the brand's past while catering to modern consumer preferences for spacious SUVs. 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 impressive, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra 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 a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover was more of an evolution than a complete redesign. The new model retained the broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal from its predecessor, with subtle changes like a vertical accent strip under the mirrors. The most significant update was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover featured a simplified design with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, giving it a modern look. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim. The Range Rover's interior was more refined than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, or Cadillac Escalade, offering a level of luxury comparable to more expensive Maybach or Bentley models.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). 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 Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. The standard rear-wheel steering made maneuvering easier, and the Range Rover's off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to the Terrain Response system. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin was exceptionally quiet.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and plenty of storage space. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, 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 down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided a spacious and luxurious interior, with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. The Range Rover offered ample storage space, including two glove boxes and a large center console bin. The second row provided plenty of space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible with a touch of a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension made loading cargo easier.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick responses and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and the sound system was not as advanced. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, but lacked integration with smart home digital assistants and had short trial periods for connected services.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a larger 13-inch touchscreen, sharper graphics, and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. The Range Rover also offered Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but lacked advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, but the Range Rover lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors. Crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the Range Rover.