2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the Buick brand, which had struggled through the Malaise Era of automotive design and marketing. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's past glory while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUV offerings, standing out with its impressive design, 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, perforated 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The AMG GLB35, with a starting price of $51,000, could be dressed up with options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, and various premium packages, bringing the total to $57,250. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle and nearly vertical rear window, but the 21-inch wheels added some style. Inside, the GLB's cabin was beautifully rendered with high-definition displays and artistic air vents, though the controls required some acclimation.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it drove like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a smooth ride. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it could travel up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB, particularly the AMG GLB35, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The AMG GLB35's performance was enhanced with an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with a firm ride and responsive handling, especially in Sport+ mode. However, it could be finicky in daily driving situations, and the ride was firm with the optional 21-inch wheels.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven people. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, and the vehicle offered commendable cargo space with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB catered to space-constrained urbanites, offering a relatively roomy interior with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats with simulated leather upholstery. The GLB's rear doors opened wide, providing comfortable seating for two adults in the second row. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space, making it less practical for U.S. buyers. The GLB offered 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a simple user interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and USB charging ports in all three rows. However, the 8-inch touchscreen display was the largest available, and the Enclave lacked integration with smart home digital assistants and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, and a head-up display. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and a digital assistant that responded to "Hey Mercedes."

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available only on the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB's test vehicle lacked the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. The GLB also had rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.