2022 Subaru Forester 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, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort. However, the Enclave marked a shift towards a more luxurious appeal, especially with its 2018 redesign. The 2022 model featured a refreshed exterior with a new grille, updated fascias, and distinctive wheel designs, particularly in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave boasted upgraded materials, a restyled center console, and advanced comfort features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats, making it a comfortable and visually appealing choice for those seeking a near-luxury SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ruggedness, particularly in its Wilderness trim. The Forester's design was functional, with a focus on utility rather than aesthetics. The Wilderness model featured a suspension lift, protective cladding, and a matte-black hood decal, giving it a rugged, overlanding look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a cabin designed for durability. The interior was straightforward, with intuitive controls and a focus on quality construction. While the Forester's design might not have been as visually striking as the Enclave's, it was well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a practical, adventure-ready vehicle.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a singular powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the Enclave's AWD system and premium ride suspension enhancing its handling across various terrains. The Enclave's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a versatile choice for families needing to tow. Buick's QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles in terms of ride quality and noise reduction.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While not as powerful as the Enclave, the Forester's engine was adequate for most driving situations, though it could feel sluggish at higher altitudes. The Wilderness model featured a CVT with improved torque supply and increased towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure. Despite its lack of turbocharging, the Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, especially in off-road conditions.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The cabin offered ample room for passengers in all three rows, with the third row accommodating six-footers comfortably. The Enclave's second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the rear, and the restyled center console featured convenient push-button transmission gears. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded, making it ideal for families needing ample storage.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior designed for durability. The Forester's StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal. The Forester offered comfortable seating with excellent visibility, and its cargo space was competitive, with 28.9 cubic feet available without the sunroof, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's practicality and storage solutions made it a strong contender for those seeking a functional and versatile SUV.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. Safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. The Avenir trim offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with clear, intuitive technology.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. While the Forester's technology was straightforward, it provided essential connectivity and convenience features for a modern driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. 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 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.