2021 Buick Envision vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign after consecutive facelifts in 2019 and 2020. This two-row compact crossover was marketed solely in China and North America, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave in Buick's lineup. The 2021 Envision, which was lower and wider than its predecessor, displayed a solid premium crossover styling that gave it a more planted appearance on the road. Despite boasting a more sculpted look than its Cadillac XT4 counterpart, it did not rival the sleekness of the Acura RDX.

The Envision came in three trims—Preferred, Essence, and Avenir. Notably, 2021 marked the introduction of the premium Avenir trim to the Envision lineup. Avenir models included upgrades such as a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille, body-color painted lowers and wheel arches, rear lens LED taillamps with a swipe-style turn sequence, and 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels. The interior received enhancements like a unique trim pattern, leather-appointed seating with diamond perforated leather inserts, Avenir-badged sill plates, trim-specific floor mats, and a head-up display (HUD).

The Sport Touring package was available for Preferred and Essence trims, featuring darkened wheels and exterior accents. All Envisions came equipped with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, along with a welcoming lighting animation projecting the Buick logo as the key fob holder approached. Wheel options included 18- or 20-inch wheels, all wrapped in standard all-season tires.

Inside, the focus was on the protruding center stack that houses the infotainment screen and climate controls, severely angled toward the driver. Although the driver-centric design made the front cabin feel tighter, it did retain familiar yet stylish elements associated with General Motors. However, the abundance of piano black plastic on the dashboard and center console made controls and fascia prone to dust accumulation.

In comparison, the 2022 Acura MDX boasted a refined exterior and interior. This three-row luxury crossover, primarily built on a new dedicated platform rather than sharing one with the Honda Pilot, showcased a sportier, modern look with a longer wheelbase and overall length, a wider body, and a greater dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The MDX made good use of its standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights. The wheels were bigger, ranging from 19 x 8.5 inches on the base model to 20 x 9 inches on Tech trims and above, enhancing the vehicle's assertive stance. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX exuded craftsmanship and quality.

The interior of the MDX displayed a modernized, layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width. Authentic materials such as natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather were complemented by high-quality plastics for a luxurious feel. The center console housed multiple controls with a unique gear selection design borrowed from the TLX model. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen, mounted in landscape orientation and not touch-sensitive, was positioned at the top of the center stack for optimal reach and safety. The front row of seats was designed for maximum comfort, with a wide range of adjustments and steering wheel-mounted control options, including paddle shifters.

The MDX's exterior featured eight color options, from standard shades like Lunar Silver Metallic to premium colors such as Liquid Carbon Metallic and Apex Blue Pearl. The interior offered six themes, including Ebony, Graystone, and Red/Suede. Overall, the MDX provided a solid luxury vehicle experience, befitting its price range.

The 2021 Buick Envision ditched its previous 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine, opting for a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. However, the 2021 model's turbo engine was less powerful than the 2020 version, generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque compared to the previous 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. Despite a weight reduction of 200-300 pounds depending on the trim level, the reduction in power was still noticeable. The turbo-four engine was competent for daily driving, with front-wheel drive (FWD) standard across all trims and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an optional feature.

The more fuel-efficient 2021 Envision boasted an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined for FWD models. AWD versions fared slightly worse, with 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. This marked a 1 mpg combined improvement for FWD models and a 3 mpg improvement for AWD Envisions. However, the vehicle was somewhat noisy during acceleration and deceleration, detracting from its premium feel. The typical GM drive mode selector included a Sport mode that noticeably altered the revs but did not entirely mitigate the engine noise.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels in base MDX and Tech trims, while Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) was available optionally on these trims and standard on others. The SH-AWD system featured torque vectoring, capable of directing up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% of that torque to either side during cornering, enhancing performance and control.

The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup at the front for sporty handling and a revised rear multi-link suspension for improved ride quality. Larger, more powerful disc brakes were added for better handling. Steering feel was enhanced with a variable gear ratio, improving low and mid-speed maneuverability. The MDX's improved stiffness and rigidity, along with the refined 10-speed transmission, delivered a smooth, confident ride. Five drive modes—Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Individual—allowed for customizable performance.

During test drives around southeastern Michigan, the MDX was tested alongside competitors like the Lexus RX L, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and a 2020 MDX. The new MDX demonstrated superior handling, feeling closer to the Audi Q7 and highlighting flaws in the RX L and XC90.

While Buick improved the aesthetic appeal of the 2021 Envision, the changes did not translate to better functionality. Despite a longer wheelbase, the 2021 model had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row. Rear-seat passengers experienced a two-inch reduction in legroom, less headroom, and nearly six inches less hip room. Passenger volume remained nearly identical to the 2020 model, but the loss of those inches made the Envision less suitable for adults.

Cargo capacity was reduced as well, with 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding back seat down. These figures were low compared to other luxury SUVs. The cargo area offered handy grocery bag holders and carve-outs around the wheel wells, though their practicality was limited.

The driver-centric cockpit design of the Envision created accessibility issues for the front seat passenger, isolating them from the climate controls and infotainment screen. Small-item storage was decent but typical for the compact SUV segment. Standard comfort features included heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, forward visibility was hindered by the cowling between the hood and the windscreen, making parking sensors a necessity for many drivers.

The 2022 Acura MDX, a three-row SUV designed for versatility, offered comfortable seating for the first two rows. The second row featured an innovative removable center section and could slide fore and aft to balance legroom between the second and third rows, reclining up to 12 degrees for added comfort. The third row was best suited for pre-teens and smaller passengers. The MDX provided USB connections in all three rows, enhancing convenience for family haulers.

Cargo capacity was notably higher in the MDX, with 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, and an additional 1.8 cubic feet of hidden storage underfloor. Folding down the third row provided 39.1 to 48.4 cubic feet of space, and with the second row folded, the MDX offered a generous 71.4 to 95 cubic feet of capacity.

The standard power tailgate featured innovative functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access, adding convenience for users. Interior lighting, called Iconic Drive Lighting, offered 27 customizable themes, changing the cabin's ambiance, particularly at night.

The 2021 Buick Envision’s technology was functional but not groundbreaking. A standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen provided clear, responsive display, while the available 8.0-inch driver information display offered quicker access to station and song title information. However, reaching the infotainment controls posed a challenge for the front passenger.

Standard tech features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, air ionizer, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, OnStar and Buick Connected Services, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available features encompassed navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, a surround-view camera, HUD, rearview camera mirror, and wireless device charging.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered several impressive tech enhancements, starting with the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on A-Spec and Advance Packages. This 16-speaker, 710-watt system used Acoustic Motion Control to deliver superior sound quality. Lower trims featured premium audio options, but the ELS Studio 3D system stood out for its audiophile appeal.

Navigation was standard on Tech and higher trims. All MDX models featured a 12.3-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel, both configurable for different looks and content. Built-in Amazon Alexa allowed for home-to-car functionality, enhancing convenience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi-compatible wireless device charging, and a CabinTalk feature for second- and third-row communication were standard on higher trims. The Advance package included a 10.5-inch color head-up display (HUD) and an HD rearview camera system with surround-view capability.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not been rated yet by the NHTSA and IIHS due to its new-generation status and changed body structure. The previous model year's results were not applicable. Notable safety features included the Buckle to Drive system, ensuring drivers wear seatbelts before shifting from park to drive. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane-change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models. However, the Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise advanced driver assist system and lane-centering technology.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not been rated yet by the IIHS and NHTSA. The 2020 model received "Good" from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. Acura engineers aimed for even better ratings for the 2022 model. The MDX incorporated a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure for enhanced collision protection. The front end redesign focused on pedestrian safety, with features like an impact-absorbing bumper and deformable hood. The low-speed braking control system, operating between one and six mph, used sonar to detect objects and provided audible and visual warnings, braking autonomously if necessary. The system included collision mitigation throttle control, enhancing safety in heavy traffic and city driving.

The standard AcuraWatch suite included collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, expanded pedestrian detection, and traffic-jam assist.