2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a luxurious and spacious option for consumers. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with soft, perforated leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a significant evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving upscale. The XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, had a sleek and athletic profile with pronounced wheel arches and a snub nose reminiscent of classic Volvo designs. The interior exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, though Nappa leather was still available for those who preferred it. The XC90's interior was a sanctuary from the elements, with a highly effective air-conditioning system and a panoramic moonroof that brightened the cabin.

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. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the Enclave handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package, priced at $57,090, included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's suspension provided a smooth ride across various driving conditions, and the steering and brake response were well-calibrated. 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 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version of the same engine delivering 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the T8 plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models were available in FWD and AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T8's electric motor provided early torque, eliminating turbo lag and ensuring smooth power delivery. The XC90's handling was impressive for its size, with minimal body roll and controlled dynamics. Fuel economy varied by powertrain, with the T8 achieving 27 mpg combined on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range.

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 12-way power-adjustable driver and 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seats, both with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and accessible, with 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row expanded the cargo area to 58 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, the Enclave offered a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold mechanism. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The XC90's interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel. The air-conditioning system performed admirably during a heat wave, ensuring a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, effective voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with familiar smartphone gestures. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow and glitchy. The XC90 also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display as part of the $1,650 Advanced package, which included a 360-degree camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound system could be upgraded to a $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins system, known for its surround sound staging. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app with remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on the Essence trim and above, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more, was standard on the Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was exclusive to the Avenir trim with the optional Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but missed out on a Top Safety Pick accolade from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to a Marginal headlight performance rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with a comprehensive list of features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features to provide semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its top-tier safety performance.