2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, offered a more refined interior experience. The exterior design seemed to lack the cohesive elegance found in some of its competitors, such as the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. Despite its aggressive front end, the GLE's design faltered past the A-pillar, resulting in a look that was somewhat reminiscent of its predecessors. However, the interior was a different story. Mercedes had clearly invested in creating a luxurious cabin, with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The red and black interior of the GLE Coupe we tested was both bold and opulent, surpassing the interiors of some luxury competitors. The attention to detail was evident in features like the LED-outlined grab handles and the extensive use of premium materials, although some controls, like the gear selector, felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting Buick's traditional focus on comfort and functionality. Over the years, Buick had shifted its lineup to focus entirely on SUVs, and the Enclave was a testament to this transition. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh that included updates to the grille, fascias, and lighting elements, giving it a more modern appearance. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with features like heated and massaging seats enhancing the driving experience. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and luxurious interior touches. While it didn't quite reach the luxury levels of some competitors, the Enclave's interior was a step above, offering a pleasant and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a powerhouse of engineering, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance up a notch with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S pushed the limits with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's hybrid system, integrated with a 48-volt battery, provided additional power and improved the seamlessness of the auto stop-start system. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, with exceptional ride quality and steering precision. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds, making it a versatile choice for those needing both luxury and utility.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 hp. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. While it didn't match the GLE's performance figures, the Enclave excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and noise-cancellation technology. The Enclave's AWD system and 7.5 inches of ground clearance made it capable of handling light off-road conditions, although it was primarily designed for on-road comfort. With a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Enclave was suitable for moderate towing needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models configured as two-row SUVs. An optional third row allowed seating for seven, although the Coupe variant was limited to five passengers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features like seat controls on the doors and rocker switches for suspension settings.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided a roomy cabin with ample space for passengers in all three rows. The third row was surprisingly accommodating, even for taller passengers. The Enclave's second-row captain's chairs made accessing the third row easy, and the seats could flip and fold for added versatility. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, which, while convenient, raised concerns about potential spills affecting the electronic components. The Enclave excelled in cargo space, offering 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, including a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a natural voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. The AMG models featured a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments for comfort. The GLE also offered a head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and semi-automated driving features, making it one of the most technologically advanced SUVs on the market.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with two active simultaneously, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave also offered a range of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. While the graphics were slightly dated, the system was intuitive and easy to use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its excellent crash test performance and standard forward emergency braking. The GLE also offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-automated driving system. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, which included features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Enclave also offered a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder, and HD reversing camera. The Premium trim added enhanced emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.