2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Buick Enclave
Overview | |
MSRP$32,550 | MSRP$42,800 |
Average price$28,076 | Average price$30,171 |
Listings1188 | Listings740 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Honda Pilot Reviews SummaryIt’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment. | |
2022 Buick Enclave Reviews SummaryBuick's three-row SUV gets a welcome freshening for the 2022 model year. Updates include new front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and exterior lighting enhancements. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, a restyled center console with new shifter buttons, and revised seat trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto debut, and a new wireless phone charger is now available. But perhaps most importantly, the 2022 Enclave receives desperately needed standard driver-assistance and safety technology. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 | Engine Name3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City18 |
MPG Highway27 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity8 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.5 cu ft | Cargo Space23.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3982 lbs | Curb Weight4359 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height69.9 in |
Length196.5 in | Length204.7 in |
Width78.6 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase111.0 in | Wheelbase120.9 in |
Maximum Payload1563 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,550 | $42,800 |
Average price | $28,076 | $30,171 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | It’s been seven years since Honda last redesigned the Pilot, the automaker’s popular midsize three-row crossover SUV. In most ways, age has been kind to it, but to love a 2021 Honda Pilot you must first live with one. Unlike some competitors, the styling is not a strong suit. Rather, it is the Pilot’s interior, powertrain, driving dynamics, and simple but useful technology that makes you appreciate it each and every day. Well, that, and the cheap lease payment. | Buick's three-row SUV gets a welcome freshening for the 2022 model year. Updates include new front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and exterior lighting enhancements. Inside, there's a new steering wheel, a restyled center console with new shifter buttons, and revised seat trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto debut, and a new wireless phone charger is now available. But perhaps most importantly, the 2022 Enclave receives desperately needed standard driver-assistance and safety technology. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 280 hp V6 | 3.6L 310 hp V6 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 310 hp @ 6800 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 18 |
MPG Highway | 27 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 8 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.5 cu ft | 23.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3982 lbs | 4359 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 69.9 in |
Length | 196.5 in | 204.7 in |
Width | 78.6 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 111.0 in | 120.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1563 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
The 2021 Honda Pilot had a distinctive approach to styling, aimed at solving the complex equation of appealing to modern buyers who care about reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Honda made attempts over the years to enhance the Pilot's visual appeal, notably with a 2019-model-year refresh that imparted a more rugged appearance, and the addition of a Black Edition in 2020, which featured a popular blacked-out look. Yet, the Pilot’s exterior design remained polarizing, with its aesthetic being an acquired taste to some.
The 2021 Pilot was available in seven trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Prices ranged from $32,250 to $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, except for the Elite and Black Edition trims, which came with all-wheel drive as standard.
The introduction of the Special Edition trim in 2021 brought black 20-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate, all with an MSRP of $38,960 for the FWD version.
Our test vehicle, the Black Edition, showcased exclusive black leather upholstery with red-tinted and perforated seat inserts, red contrast stitching, and red ambient lighting. The only added option was a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint. Despite the interior quality, the resemblance to a minivan from the front seat, along with its uninspiring exterior design, somewhat detracted from the overall charm of the Pilot.
Meanwhile, the 2022 Buick Enclave took a more conservative approach to styling, adhering to Buick's tradition of softer, less aggressive lines and functional interiors, catering predominantly to older customers valuing comfort and tradition over style. However, the brand overhauled its product lineup in recent years, focusing more on SUVs reflecting current market trends.
The Buick Enclave, sitting atop Buick's four-SUV lineup, was refreshed for 2022 with several exterior styling enhancements—new grille, front and rear fascias, updated headlamps and taillamps, and new wheel designs. The Avenir trim offered unique body-colored lower accents, taillamps, and 20-inch wheels, emphasizing its premium positioning.
Inside, the Enclave had a restyled center console with new push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim featured climate-controlled and massaging front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and unique trim. Our test vehicle, an Avenir in a deep red Rich Garnet Metallic with Ebony perforated leather seats, presented an attractive and plush interior.
The 2021 Honda Pilot was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain was smooth, refined, and responsive, enabling the SUV to accelerate rapidly. A nine-speed automatic transmission paired with either FWD or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of the engine’s power to a single rear wheel. The intelligent traction management system included modes for Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand.
Fuel-saving technologies like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start helped achieve an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for AWD variants, with our test vehicle averaging 21.5 mpg. The Pilot’s suspension configuration provided a comfortable ride with athletic handling. However, off-road capabilities were hindered by its 7.3-inch ground clearance and all-season tires.
In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave also featured a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard in FWD, the Enclave also offered AWD across all trims, and could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Enclave excelled in providing a serene and premium ride experience, further enhanced by optional upgrades like the Avenir Technology package, which included features such as a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The Enclave handled various terrains and road conditions gracefully, maintaining quiet and comfort within the cabin thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technologies.
The V6 powertrain was surprisingly responsive despite the Enclave’s hefty weight, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave’s engine emitted pleasing sounds under heavy throttle, adding a bit of character to the vehicle.
The 2021 Honda Pilot excelled in providing ample room for a family, accommodating up to eight passengers with its available second-row bench seat. The front seats, wrapped in leather and equipped with heating and ventilation, were comfortable and supportive. The driver's seat featured a 10-way power adjustment, but the front passenger had to make do with only a 4-way adjustment.
Second-row captain’s chairs were optional on Touring and standard on higher trims like the Elite and Black Edition, offering nearly the same level of comfort as the front seats. The spacious third row, however, was less comfortable for adults over longer drives. Storage solutions were plentiful, with various compartments and a sizable center console.
In terms of cargo space, the Pilot offered 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats down.
The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress and great visibility due to its large windows. The driver’s seat featured an eight-way power adjustment with power lumbar support, while the front passenger seat offered six-way adjustment. Higher trims added massaging functions and heated second-row seats.
The Enclave's interior was spacious across all three rows, comfortably seating six adults with second-row captain’s chairs providing easy access to the third row. The redesigned center console incorporated new push-button gears, though its practicality raised concerns about potential spills affecting the electronic components.
Cargo capacity in the Enclave was generous with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.4 cubic feet with all seats down. The test vehicle’s power-folding third-row seats further enhanced usability.
Most 2021 Honda Pilot trims included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The new Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while Touring trims and above included advanced features like navigation, WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system.
Despite the array of features, the infotainment system had limitations. The screen size was relatively small, and the voice-recognition technology required specific prompts. Moreover, advanced subscription services were restricted to the upper trims. Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and additional power outlets, addressing modern family needs.
The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Essence trim, adding navigation on higher trims. The system allowed pairing of up to 10 devices and included a WiFi hotspot supporting four devices within 50 feet. The interface, though user-friendly, felt somewhat dated.
Higher trims boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system, but it lacked the power expected from premium systems, especially for back-seat passengers. Other notable features included a suite of driver-assist systems, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and more, making the Enclave's technology package robust and comprehensive.
The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. EX trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the older version of Honda Sensing was not as smooth or refined as more modern systems.
The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings: a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and mostly "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in the front passenger small overlap frontal-impact test.
For 2022, Buick made the Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all Enclave trims, encompassing a wide range of safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Premium trims added even more advanced features.
NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave at the time of writing, but IIHS awarded it “Good” ratings in all but the updated side-impact test, which received an “Acceptable” rating.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Buick Enclave scores 7 out of 10. Given these ratings, we recommend the 2021 Honda Pilot for its overall value, more flexible interior space, and comprehensive safety features, making it a solid choice for families seeking a reliable and practical SUV.
Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:
- You need ample cargo space and a family-friendly interior configuration.
- Advanced safety features and a good mix of standard technology are priorities.
- You're looking for a cost-effective option with various trim levels to fit different budgets.
Choose the 2022 Buick Enclave if:
- You want a quieter, more comfortable ride with extensive sound-damping technology.
- Advanced safety features and driver aids are essential, especially with many being standard.
- High-end comfort features like massaging front seats and a spacious third row are important.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Pilot is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Buick Enclave scores 7 out of 10. Given these ratings, we recommend the 2021 Honda Pilot for its overall value, more flexible interior space, and comprehensive safety features, making it a solid choice for families seeking a reliable and practical SUV.
Choose the 2021 Honda Pilot if:
Shop Now- You need ample cargo space and a family-friendly interior configuration.
- Advanced safety features and a good mix of standard technology are priorities.
- You're looking for a cost-effective option with various trim levels to fit different budgets.
Choose the 2022 Buick Enclave if:
Shop Now- You want a quieter, more comfortable ride with extensive sound-damping technology.
- Advanced safety features and driver aids are essential, especially with many being standard.
- High-end comfort features like massaging front seats and a spacious third row are important.

By: CarGurus + AI
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