2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, offered a fresh design perspective unburdened by a long legacy. This allowed Genesis to innovate and establish a signature look, drawing inspiration from its sedan lineup. The GV80's design was characterized by a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh pattern, complemented by the brand's "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by large wheel arches and elegant taillights that mirrored the front's design. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek, uncluttered dashboard with a focus on horizontal lines, creating a sense of spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the luxury feel, while the 14.5-inch widescreen display and rotary gear selector highlighted the vehicle's technological sophistication.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting its historical customer base's preference for comfort and tradition. However, Buick had been transitioning towards a more modern SUV lineup, and the Enclave was a testament to this shift. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling, including a new grille and redesigned fascias. The Avenir trim featured unique design elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials added a touch of modernity, while features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats enhanced comfort. The Enclave's interior was practical and functional, with ample cargo space and easy access to the third row.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride quality was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and available electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more robust performance, aided by active noise cancellation technology. Fuel economy for the GV80 ranged from 18 to 25 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and the Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The SUV was known for its quiet and smooth ride, thanks to the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration despite the vehicle's size and weight. The nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly, and the QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven, although it was not available on other trims. The third-row seats had a power-fold function for added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seating for six adults across three rows. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which offered ample space even for taller passengers. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Power-folding third-row seats added to the vehicle's practicality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was equipped with the sixth-generation Genesis UX, featuring a 14.5-inch HD screen with split-screen displays. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air updates and cloud profiles for personalized settings. Android users could utilize a digital key function, while Genesis Connected Services offered a range of remote and guidance features. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system included a standard 12-speaker setup, with an optional 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a larger driver information center. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, although some users desired more power. The Enclave also included a three-month SiriusXM trial and multiple USB ports for charging and data. Available features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The SUV came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, as well as Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety by standardizing the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.