2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort and tradition. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting broader market trends. The Enclave, introduced in 2008, replaced older models and quickly became a hit, helping to rejuvenate the brand. The 2022 mid-cycle refresh brought several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim level featured unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave received a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials, with the Avenir trim offering climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and unique trim and seat stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was designed for those who appreciate a black-on-black aesthetic, despite the challenges of maintaining such a finish. The Black Line treatment removed almost all chrome from the exterior, giving the SUV a sleek, monochromatic look. However, the GX's design remained largely unchanged from its first-generation model, making it appear dated. Inside, the cabin quality was high, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. 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 AWD-equipped test vehicle handled well on various terrains, providing a serene cabin experience thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, with good off-the-line acceleration and a pleasant engine sound at wide-open throttle.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. A six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, featuring a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, provided power distribution of 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels under normal conditions. The GX's shape and weight contributed to a relatively high drag coefficient of 0.35, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling, though the steering and brake pedal required extra effort.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. The standard eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated and with power lumbar control, ensured comfort. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably in all three rows, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The second-row captain's chairs made accessing the third row easy. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders. The Enclave provided 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space 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 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The GX's tall, narrow, and short design made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The test vehicle's seats were comfortable, with padding in all the right places. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry tricky. The third-row seat was difficult to access and uncomfortable for adults, with limited rear crush space. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading challenges.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim came with 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. The infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, while the Essence trim had a standard six-speaker system. The Enclave also included a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports. 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 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The new screen was easy to see and use, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The GX also included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were located at the bottom of the center control panel, below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. For 2022, Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard on all trims. This package 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. Other standard safety 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 a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally unchanged for 13 years, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included standard Lexus Safety System+, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling, complimentary for three years. The GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems. Despite this, the absence of these features contributed to a favorable driving experience, free from second-guessing or overriding steering inputs.