2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 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, with a 2018 redesign pushing it further upmarket. The 2022 mid-cycle refresh brought new exterior styling, including a unique grille and 20-inch wheels for the Avenir trim, and interior upgrades like push-button gears and premium materials.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in its base form, offered a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The GLS lineup included the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions, which added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450's basic interior still felt luxurious, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality feel without being overly flashy.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was smooth and quiet, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. The Avenir Technology package added a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its size, the Enclave's acceleration was surprisingly responsive, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in short bursts. The GLS 450's performance was impressive, with smooth acceleration and a well-balanced inline-six engine. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

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 cabin was spacious, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room for passengers in all three rows. The third row was comfortable for adults, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders. 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.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading and unloading. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

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 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation on higher trims. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The six-speaker audio system was adequate, but the 10-speaker Bose system on higher trims was superior. 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, and HD surround vision.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was the easiest to use, while the touchpad controller was overly sensitive. The graphics were good, but the navigation system had some issues. Optional features included a head-up display and more advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made 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, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features on higher trims included enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.