2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave had undergone a significant transformation, moving away from its conservative roots to embrace a more modern SUV-focused lineup. This shift was evident in its refreshed exterior, featuring a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned lighting elements. The Avenir trim stood out with unique styling touches and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a luxurious experience with upgraded materials, a restyled center console, and climate-controlled front seats. The Avenir trim added exclusive seat patterns and stitching, enhancing its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid presented a more contemporary design, though it retained the RX's characteristic blunt-nosed appearance. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar exterior, with the latter boasting sportier elements like a blacked-out grille and matte-black wheels. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist approach with fewer controls and a new infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured high-quality leather and wood trim, while the RX 500h offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package's premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's AWD system and 7.5 inches of ground clearance provided confidence on various terrains, though it wasn't designed for off-roading. Despite its size, the Enclave delivered responsive acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It included an adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering for enhanced handling. However, its fuel economy was lower at 27 mpg. The RX 350h provided a more efficient and quieter ride, while the RX 500h offered a sportier driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering easy access and excellent visibility. It featured power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and massage functions in higher trims. The Enclave's three-row seating accommodated six adults comfortably, with ample cargo space—23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console's push-button transmission and USB ports added convenience, though the button layout could be confusing.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided comfort with its power-adjustable front seats and effective climate control. The RX 350h Luxury trim offered premium leather, while the RX 500h had sportier seats with standard leather. The hybrid's battery placement slightly reduced rear headroom but improved leg support. Cargo space increased to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded, offering more room than the previous model.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave supported multiple device connections and included a WiFi hotspot. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with connected services, requiring subscriptions after trial periods. The system included cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. While the touchscreen was large, it displayed only one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The available head-up display and touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel added convenience, though they posed challenges for users with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, and rear cross-traffic warning. Premium trims added enhanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control 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" in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features like curve-speed reduction and front cross-traffic alert had limitations. The driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions.