2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a return to form for the brand, harking back to its glory days with a large, impressive SUV that stood out in the market. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected with consumers. Available in four trims—Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir—the Enclave ranged in price from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. Its design, especially in the Avenir trim, was striking, with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious feel with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple and elegant, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a sporty Onyx Edition trim with blacked-out exterior elements, appealing to those who favored a more aggressive look. The Ascent lineup included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $32,295 and reaching $45,445. The Onyx Edition featured black 20-inch wheels, a unique grille, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. While the blacked-out styling added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. The interior offered a gray two-tone scheme with metallic trim, and the Ascent was equipped with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats, making it ready for winter weather.

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 could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The ride was smooth, thanks to a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, and the SUV handled various driving environments with ease. 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 Subaru Ascent featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. The Ascent's engine layout, known as a flat-four or boxer engine, contributed to a lower center of gravity and improved handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing for brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent could also tow up to 5,000 pounds. It achieved an EPA-rated 22 mpg in combined driving, though our testing loop averaged 20.5 mpg. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided more off-roading capability than many competitors.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was quiet, thanks to Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated leather seats with a massaging function. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and accessible, and it 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 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. Loading the second row was easy, thanks to wide rear doors, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. A panoramic sunroof reduced cargo space slightly.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times 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 the largest available, and the sound system was not as advanced as those in some competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. Higher trims offered a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. 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 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.