2023 Lexus RX 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, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic prioritizing comfort over cutting-edge aesthetics. However, the Enclave marked a shift, reflecting Buick's strategic pivot towards SUVs, aligning with market trends. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured exterior enhancements like a new grille and updated fascias, while the Avenir trim boasted unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave offered upgraded materials and a restyled center console, with the Avenir trim providing standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, elevating the comfort level.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX presented a modernized design with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. The RX's exterior was marked by a better-integrated spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, creating a fresh yet familiar look. The interior was thoroughly modern, featuring fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX offered high-quality materials, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, ensuring a luxurious feel. The RX 350 was available in multiple trims, including hybrid options, providing a range of choices for consumers seeking a blend of style and functionality.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a smooth, 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's powertrain was responsive, offering surprising acceleration and a pleasant engine note, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning technology.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it offered less horsepower than the previous V6, it provided more torque and better performance at higher altitudes. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, offered a more secure ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility and comfortable seating. It featured an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, with Premium and Avenir trims offering additional adjustments and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. 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 Lexus RX offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Lexus improved cargo space over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though still not class-leading.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering 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 supported up to 10 paired devices and included a WiFi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator and Teen Driver technology, with available adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect, free for three years, offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition. The RX featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and available digital rearview mirror and key technology. A color head-up display was also available, though visibility could be an issue with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a suite of safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Premium trims added enhanced 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 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including new features like motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. It introduced semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. LSS+ 3.0 was generally impressive, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive. The system's reliance on the HUD for adaptive cruise control settings could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.