2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from its traditionally conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically, Buick's vehicles were known for their softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge design. However, the Enclave marked a significant shift, reflecting Buick's strategic pivot towards SUVs in response to market trends. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels, offering a touch of luxury that elevated the Enclave's appeal.

Inside, the Enclave's restyled center console and upgraded materials provided a more refined experience. The Avenir trim boasted standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort for passengers. The interior's Ebony perforated leather seats with unique stitching added visual interest and character. While not quite reaching the luxury levels of a Cadillac XT6, the Enclave's materials and design were a cut above, offering a comfortable and visually appealing environment for its occupants.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, embraced a retro-cool aesthetic combined with modern engineering, making it a standout in the SUV market. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, even from a distance. The Bronco's nine distinct trim levels offered a range of styles, from the primitive Base trim with steel wheels to the top-tier Raptor with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with a white grille, roof, and wheels, while the Heritage Limited trim offered additional capabilities.

The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs in the floor further emphasized durability over luxury. While the materials weren't as refined as those in typical SUVs, they were designed for resilience, and the Bronco's interior was noticeably quieter than a comparable Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's design and functionality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and off-road capability.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a straightforward powertrain with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave delivered a premium driving experience, enhanced by the optional 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 for light off-road trails or wintry conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available with a seven-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the top-of-the-line Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making them well-suited for off-road adventures. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV, but it offered better on-road manners than a Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's high-riding dimensions and all-terrain tires required careful handling on curving roads, but it remained a confident performer.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior. With easy ingress and egress, passengers enjoyed excellent visibility and comfort, thanks to standard power-adjustable seats with lumbar control. The Enclave's three-row seating offered ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, accommodating six full-size adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, and the Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape contributed to its spacious interior, with ample room in both the front and rear. The four-door model provided easier access to the rear seats, while the two-door required some maneuvering. The Bronco's interior featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing personal items. The two-door Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, while the four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet, expanding to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims offering an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and the Enclave offered a range of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. The Bronco's numerous camera views provided valuable assistance in tight off-road situations, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford's SYNC 4 as standard. Most Broncos featured an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for improved usability.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard across all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. The Enclave received a four-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the Bronco "Good" ratings in most crashworthiness tests, with an "Acceptable" score for head restraints and seats. The Bronco came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other safety features, with additional driver assistance features available in higher trims.