2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 GMC Yukon

In 2021, the GMC Yukon positioned itself as a “premium grade” vehicle, striking a balance between ruggedness and refinement. It maintained its macho truck-based roots, appealing to those who preferred a tough yet meticulously designed SUV. With a new 2021 redesign, the Yukon appeared in both standard and extended-length body styles, in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. The Denali particularly stood out, with its own exclusive dashboard design and upscale interior touches that included real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, unique stitching and piping, and the luxurious Ultimate Package’s panoramic sunroof. Exterior styling enhancements emphasized its upscale nature, featuring intricate grillework, vent-style fender badges, chrome lower body trim, and improved rear aesthetics.

Contrasting this, the 2022 Buick Enclave demonstrated a more conservative, yet sophisticated approach, reflecting its customer base's preference for comfort and tradition over aggressive styling. As Buick transitioned its lineup to SUVs, the Enclave stood resilient, receiving a mid-cycle refresh that included a new grille, front and rear fascias, and updated wheel designs. The top-tier Avenir trim brought unique styling elements such as body-colored lowers and distinctive 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a sleek center console with new push-button gears and high-quality materials, and the Avenir trim offered exclusive seat patterns and stitching. While not as aggressive as the Yukon, the Enclave exuded a refined, luxurious feel.

Performance-wise, the 2021 GMC Yukon was a powerhouse with three engine options. The highlight was the exclusive 6.2-liter V8 engine in the Denali trim, delivering a robust 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination ensured strong acceleration across various driving situations, though fuel efficiency suffered, with averages of 14.4 to 16.2 mpg during testing. The independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension significantly improved ride quality and handling.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept it straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a surprisingly responsive performance for a vehicle of its size, thanks to continuous chassis damping and premium ride suspension in the Avenir trim. Despite carrying more than 4,300 pounds, the Enclave impressed with its smooth ride quality and quiet cabin, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited immensely from its new independent rear suspension, improving passenger comfort and cargo space. Front-seat occupants enjoyed heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable seats, though they could become hard over long journeys. Second-row seats improved in comfort and functionality, providing easy access to a more spacious third-row that now offered adequate thigh support for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet when both second and third rows were folded.

In comparison, the 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in comfort and space for all three rows of passengers. Standard eight-way power driver seats and six-way power front passenger seats provided easy adjustments. The spacious third row was accommodating even for tall adults, while second-row captain's chairs made access straightforward. The Enclave's center console housed push-button transmission gears, and cargo capacity was robust, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet when both rows were folded.

In the technology department, the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali was well-equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system. However, the latter was criticized for its lackluster quality. The Yukon also boasted a robust Rear Seat Media system and an impressive 15-inch color head-up display, along with a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera vantage points for enhanced maneuverability.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a reconfigurable driver information center. The Enclave's system allowed pairing of up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot supporting up to four devices. The Avenir trim also included a powerful 10-speaker Bose audio system, though back-seat passengers sometimes desired more volume.

Safety was a priority for the 2021 GMC Yukon, equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were Denali exclusives.

For 2022, Buick made comprehensive safety features standard across all Enclave trims with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Additional features on higher trims included adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave earned high marks in crash tests, demonstrating its commitment to safety.