2022 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically known for its softer lines and functional interiors, Buick had shifted its focus entirely to SUVs, reflecting broader market trends. The Enclave, with its 2022 mid-cycle refresh, showcased several exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias, headlamps, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and luxurious seating options, including heated, cooled, and massaging front seats. The Avenir trim further elevated the interior experience with standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, including exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear received updated taillights and a new bumper. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large touchscreen display and digital instrumentation. The Limited Stealth Edition, in particular, featured leather seats, a sport-tuned suspension, and impressive tech, although it retained some F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and advanced parking aids.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 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 SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave was known for its quiet and smooth ride, enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, providing good off-the-line acceleration despite its size and weight.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the standard configuration. The engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD available as an option. The Expedition's powertrain offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the model and equipment. The twin-turbo V6 delivered addictive power and a pleasing engine sound, although it was thirsty for fuel, with observed fuel economy at 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's driving dynamics were generally good, but the sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition could have benefited from adaptive damping to improve ride quality on uneven pavement.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The Enclave's cabin provided ample room for passengers in all three rows, with plenty of headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The second-row captain's chairs made accessing the third row easy, and the power-folding third-row seats added convenience. The Enclave also offered generous cargo space, 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 rear rows folded.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with individual climate controls and cupholders. The third-row seat was easy to access and offered good leg support, although headroom could be tight for taller passengers. The Expedition's cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, with the option to expand to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo space for those needing additional capacity.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch reconfigurable version available on higher trims. The Essence trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. Additional features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. The Avenir trim offered adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen display, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot access, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. The Sync 4A system included an adaptive dashcard user interface and personal driver profiles. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer maneuvering.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, which included 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. Additional safety features included a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring system, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, speed-limit-sign recognition, intersection assist, and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways.