2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern SUV-focused lineup. Historically known for its softer lines and functional interiors, Buick had shifted its focus to meet the growing demand for SUVs, leaving behind its sedan-heavy past. The Enclave, with its 2022 mid-cycle refresh, showcased a more refined exterior with a new grille, updated fascias, and distinctive wheel designs, especially in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave offered upgraded materials and a restyled center console, enhancing comfort with features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats, particularly in the Avenir trim, which added a touch of luxury with unique seat stitching and trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX maintained its sharp, angular style, though its signature grille was beginning to show its age. The RDX's design was sporty and aggressive, with deep creases and a distinctive character line suggesting movement. Inside, the RDX diverged from the trend of horizontal dashboards, opting for a vertical layout that emphasized performance with its gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. While the interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest tech-heavy designs. The RDX's cabin, though not cutting-edge, provided a comfortable and sporty environment.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's AWD system and 7.5 inches of ground clearance provided confidence in light off-road conditions. Despite its size, the Enclave delivered surprisingly responsive acceleration, and its QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin experience.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced AWD system. The RDX balanced performance and comfort, making it an attractive option for those seeking a sporty yet practical SUV.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating for up to six adults. The spacious cabin provided ample headroom, legroom, and cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Enclave's center console featured push-button transmission gears, and the power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing cargo space.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided generous front-seat space with additional adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, with a panoramic sunroof enhancing the cabin's open feel. Cargo space was competitive, with 31.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 79.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RDX offered ample storage for personal items, though the center stack's design could be more space-efficient.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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 up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard safety tech included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology, with additional features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which was challenging to use, especially while driving. However, the system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. The RDX came with a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. The top A-Spec Advanced trim featured a 16-speaker ELS audio system, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Premium trims added features like enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology package added parking sensors, while the Advance package included a surround-view camera and head-up display. The RDX's adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation.