2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave continued Buick's tradition of conservative styling, featuring softer, less aggressive character lines and simple, functional interiors. This design approach catered to an older customer base that prioritized comfort and tradition over cutting-edge design. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting the broader market trend favoring SUVs over traditional sedans. The Enclave, introduced in 2008, replaced older models and helped rejuvenate the brand. A 2018 redesign moved the Enclave further upmarket, and the 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with new exterior styling and upgraded interior materials, especially in the top-of-the-line Avenir trim.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, meanwhile, received subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced the Navigator's elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen was a significant upgrade, offering a more modern and user-friendly interface. The Navigator continued to impress with its luxurious and spacious interior, especially in the Black Label trim with its new Central Park theme.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a single powertrain option: 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. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. It had a maximum towing capacity of 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. Despite its size, the Enclave offered responsive acceleration and a surprisingly engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity ranging from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on imperfect pavement. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions with ease, including snow and mud, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating with standard eight-way power driver and six-way power front passenger seats. The Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and second-row heated seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably in all three rows, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The restyled center console featured new push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders. The Enclave provided 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 rows folded.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to impress with its exceptionally comfortable 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain’s chairs also offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, along with an updated Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system. The third-row seats provided roomy and supportive accommodations, thanks to the Navigator's independent rear suspension design. The Navigator offered generous storage and cargo space, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet in the long-wheelbase Navigator L), 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded (73.3 cubic feet in Navigator L), and a maximum of 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch reconfigurable version on Premium and Avenir trims. The Essence trim came with 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, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, offering a more modern and user-friendly interface. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured a voice recognition system. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The Navigator also offered a new 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The physical controls for volume, stereo tuning, and climate functions were well-designed and easy to use.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package now 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. Additional safety features were available on higher trims. 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. A surround-view camera system was also newly standard. Intersection Assist could automatically brake during unsafe movements, while Road Edge Detection helped steer the SUV away from road edges. Active Park Assist 2.0 allowed the Navigator to park itself, and ActiveGlide provided semi-autonomous, hands-free driving on approved highways. The Navigator's safety features performed well during testing, although the driver still needed to remain attentive.