2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Buick Enclave

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 designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge aesthetics. However, the Enclave marked a significant shift, reflecting Buick's strategic pivot towards SUVs in response to market trends. The 2022 model, as 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 wheel design, offering a touch of luxury that elevated the Enclave's appeal. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials, enhancing the overall comfort and sophistication of the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler embraced a rugged, no-nonsense design that was quintessentially Jeep. The fourth-generation JL Wrangler maintained its iconic boxy shape, with minimal curves and a robust aesthetic that appealed to off-road enthusiasts. Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler offered versatility with removable doors and a fold-down windshield for an open-air experience. The design was simple yet functional, with wide fenders, Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, and round headlights. The Wrangler's interior was practical, featuring easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. While it lacked some of the luxury features found in other SUVs, the Wrangler's design was all about functionality and adventure, with options like the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a straightforward yet effective powertrain with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. 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, making it a capable choice for families needing to tow recreational equipment. The ride quality was a standout feature, with Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology ensuring a serene cabin environment. The optional Avenir Technology package further enhanced the driving experience with a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, allowing the Enclave to handle various terrains with ease.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was built for off-road performance, offering a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. The standard V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more torque, the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 delivered 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 took performance to another level with a 6.4-liter V8 engine, producing 470 horsepower and an equal amount of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler's off-road prowess was further enhanced by features like solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer cases, making it a formidable choice for adventure seekers. However, the 392 model's on-road performance was hampered by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues not present in the less powerful trims.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress thanks to its large doors and ample headroom. The cabin was designed to accommodate six full-size adults comfortably, with standard second-row captain's chairs for easy access to the third row. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, offering 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, providing a sleek and modern look, though it raised concerns about potential spills affecting the electronic components.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, while not as spacious as the Enclave, offered a unique open-air experience with its removable tops and doors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were a tight fit, especially in the two-door models. Storage space for small items was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and center console. The Wrangler's cargo space was also modest, with 72.4 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The various top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, provided flexibility for drivers seeking an open-air adventure, though the soft top's rear window could be cumbersome in cold weather.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a comprehensive suite of technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on the Essence trim, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a performance-enhanced 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for connectivity on the go. The system was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. The Enclave also offered a range of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision, enhancing both convenience and safety.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system, featuring a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8.4-inch screen available. The system was initially complex but intuitive once familiarized, offering off-road pages with detailed information for enthusiasts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, providing seamless smartphone integration. While the Wrangler lacked some advanced tech features, it offered practical elements like a forward-facing camera for off-road navigation and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. The focus was on functionality rather than luxury, aligning with the Wrangler's rugged character.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package now standard across all trims. This package included features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic warning. Additional safety features were available on higher trims, such as enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received high safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in most crash tests, though it received an "Acceptable" rating in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA awarded the Enclave four out of five stars for rollover resistance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, however, offered limited standard safety features, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control included across all trims. Advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on the top 392 model, with other trims requiring an optional package. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS giving it a combination of "Good" and "Marginal" scores, and the NHTSA awarding four out of five stars for frontal crash tests and three out of five for rollover resistance.