2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade, particularly in its Calligraphy trim, stood out with its distinctive design elements. It featured a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting with puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Palisade Calligraphy boasted upgraded interior detailing, including a simulated suede headliner and premium Nappa leather, making it appear more luxurious than its price suggested. The Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with light, striated simulated wood trim added to its upscale feel. While opinions on its styling varied, the Palisade's interior quality was undeniable, offering a level of luxury that rivaled more expensive SUVs in its class.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet refined design approach. Over the years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs, reflecting market trends. The Enclave, as the largest and most expensive model in Buick's lineup, received a mid-cycle refresh for 2022, featuring a new grille, front and rear fascias, and updated wheel designs. The Avenir trim, in particular, showcased unique styling elements and a premium interior with features like climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. While not reaching the luxury levels of some competitors, the Enclave's materials and design offered a step above standard fare, providing a comfortable and visually appealing cabin.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose from various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it delivered a firm yet comfortable ride, with excellent body-motion control and a communicative suspension. While not designed for spirited driving, the Palisade provided a confident and predictable driving experience, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity matched the Palisade at 5,000 pounds. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave excelled in providing a premium driving experience, enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, and its cabin remained serene, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility, offering a well-designed cabin with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a spacious third row. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and could slide for added versatility. The Palisade offered generous cargo space, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, although it could be deactivated if desired.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided a roomy cabin with excellent visibility and comfortable seating for up to six adults. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar control and massage functions on higher trims. The Enclave's third row was spacious enough for taller passengers, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access. The restyled center console incorporated push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing the cargo area.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both systems allowed for simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display with blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot supporting up to four devices. Standard features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems as standard. It also featured a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor on higher trims. The Palisade's Highway Drive Assist provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety by making the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. While NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, it received a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.