2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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, 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 cabin was a blend of comfort and sophistication. The restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials added to the premium feel. The Avenir trim further enhanced the experience with standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Ebony perforated leather seats with unique stitching provided a visual break from the expansive leather surfaces, adding character to the interior. While not quite reaching the luxury levels of a Cadillac XT6, the Enclave Avenir offered a refined and comfortable environment, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a near-luxury SUV experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was a showcase of modern luxury and technological sophistication. The Aviator's design was a successful execution of Lincoln's contemporary aesthetic, with a focus on elegance and presence. The Black Label Grand Touring model, in particular, exuded opulence with its electric, light-touch door handles, soft-close doors, and ambient lighting that welcomed passengers into a cabin filled with high-end materials. The interior was a visual feast, featuring patterned metal trim, chrome accents, and the rich caramel-hued leather seats of the Black Label Flight theme. However, the abundance of design elements might have been overwhelming for those preferring a more minimalist style.

The Aviator's cabin was undeniably luxurious, with soft leather, padded surfaces, and a simulated suede headliner. The panoramic glass sunroof added to the sense of space and light. Despite its opulence, some details, like the chrome switchgear and oversized key fob, felt less premium. The Aviator's focus on comfort was evident in its features, such as the massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats and the four-zone climate control system. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Overall, the Aviator offered a plush and serene driving experience, ideal for those prioritizing comfort and style.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered 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 versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.

Buick's reputation for quiet and smooth rides was upheld in the Enclave, thanks to features like the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave handled various terrains with ease, from highways to country roads, and its QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment. Despite its size and weight, the Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, offering good acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave's AWD and ground clearance provided confidence in light off-road conditions.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that combined a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing an impressive 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system added over 800 pounds to the vehicle's weight, but the Aviator still delivered strong performance. The EPA rated its electric driving range at 21 miles, with a combined fuel economy of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, allowing drivers to tailor the powertrain's performance to their needs.

During testing, the Aviator demonstrated its ability to maximize efficiency, achieving an equivalent of 163.4 mpg during electric driving. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power for quick acceleration, though the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's regenerative braking system required careful modulation for smooth stops. The Black Label Grand Touring model featured an adaptive-damping suspension that managed the vehicle's weight effectively, providing a comfortable and stable ride. While the Aviator excelled in comfort and isolation, it lacked the engaging driving dynamics of sportier SUVs.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress thanks to its large doors and ample headroom. Visibility was excellent, aided by the large windshield and windows. The Enclave's seating was designed for comfort, with standard power-adjustable front seats and available massage functions in higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which offered sufficient space for adults, making the Enclave a practical choice for families.

Cargo space was another strong point for the Enclave, with 23.6 cubic feet available behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded the space to 57.7 cubic feet, and with both rear rows folded, the Enclave offered a generous 97.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, making it easy to configure the interior for passengers or cargo as needed.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort and luxury, with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and included a center console with storage and controls for the panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seating was cramped, with limited legroom and support, making it less suitable for adults.

Cargo space in the Aviator was more limited, with 18.3 cubic feet available behind the third row. Folding the third row increased the capacity to 41.8 cubic feet, and with all rear seats folded, the Aviator offered 77.7 cubic feet of cargo space. While the Aviator excelled in luxury and comfort, its practicality was somewhat compromised by the limited third-row space and cargo capacity.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a larger driver information center. The system supported up to 10 paired devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for connectivity. While the interface was user-friendly, some graphics appeared dated. The Premium and Avenir trims also included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, offering superior sound quality.

The Enclave's technology suite included a range of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. The color head-up display projected key information onto the windshield, enhancing convenience and safety. The Enclave's technology package provided a comprehensive set of features for a connected and safe driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the older Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. The Aviator's 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality, and the vehicle's warning chimes were recorded by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, adding a unique touch.

Smartphone integration was seamless, with wireless charging and the Phone As A Key system, allowing drivers to use their smartphones as digital keys. The Aviator also featured digital instrumentation and a comprehensive head-up display, which remained visible even with polarized sunglasses. The vehicle's parking sensors and surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2022 Buick Enclave received significant updates to its safety features, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package now standard across all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave earned high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it "Good" ratings in most crash tests and an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator's safety features performed well, though the lane-keeping system struggled in curves. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its strong safety performance.