2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined a robust lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly longer than the GLA but shorter than the GLC. Despite these differences, distinguishing the GLB from its siblings required a close look at the badge, as Mercedes-Benz's design DNA was evident across the lineup. The GLB featured a sporty, athletic stance with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for soft roads and speed humps.

Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design. The dashboard's round shapes and polished metal HVAC vents evoked an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance. The fit and finish were top-notch, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, marked a significant shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling. Over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting market trends. The Enclave, introduced in 2008 and redesigned in 2018, was the largest and most expensive model in Buick's lineup, which included the Envision, Encore GX, and Encore.

For 2022, the Enclave received a mid-cycle refresh with new exterior styling, including a new grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs. The top-tier Avenir trim featured unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and unique trim and seat stitching, enhancing comfort and luxury.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. Fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD.

Built on a FWD platform, the GLB featured four-wheel independent suspension with 8.0 x 18-inch wheels. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB offered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. For those seeking more performance, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 trimmed the 0-60 time to 5.1 seconds. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and included the Off-Road Engineering Package with hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and off-road animation.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Buick's reputation for quiet, smooth rides was upheld in the Enclave, especially with the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The AWD-equipped test vehicle handled various terrains admirably, offering a serene cabin experience thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. Despite its size and weight, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, with good off-the-line acceleration and a nine-speed automatic transmission that performed seamlessly. The engine's sound at wide-open throttle added a surprising touch of personality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice: whether to add the third-row option. This decision significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the retractable third row, which folded flat when not in use.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger model, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults due to limited legroom and headroom.

The rest of the GLB's cabin was well-sorted, with comfortable and highly adjustable front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment and three-position memory. Heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel were available. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets with bottle holders, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. Standard features included an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated with power lumbar control. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats.

The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers in all three rows comfortably, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The third row was suitable for six-footers, and the standard second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The second-row seats also flipped and folded for added versatility, though the lever system could be confusing.

The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with two cupholders. The flat row of buttons made accessing the USB ports and wireless phone charging pad easier. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, despite being an entry-level model, was packed with technology. The standard Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system featured voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB had a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with a new-generation touchpad in the center console. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each, added keyless go, and offered a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation used a camera in the windshield to superimpose information over live images, enhancing navigation and safety. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting a larger, 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation.

The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices up to 50 feet away. The system's interface was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. The standard six-speaker audio system in the Essence trim was adequate, but the 10-speaker Bose system in Premium and Avenir trims was superior, though it could use more power.

Each Enclave came with a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports—two in each row. The front-row ports were for charging and data, while the second and third-row ports were charging-only. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance with hitch view, a digital rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB benefited from Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety innovation. Standard features included active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the ear, potentially reducing hearing loss from a collision. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package became standard on all Enclaves, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other standard features included a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received no false alarms during testing. NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, but it received four out of five stars for rollover resistance. IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in all but one crash test, where it received an "Acceptable" score.