2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort and tradition. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting broader market trends. The Enclave, introduced in 2008 and redesigned in 2018, became a flagship model, offering a more upmarket feel. The 2022 mid-cycle refresh brought exterior enhancements like a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs, particularly for the top-tier Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave featured upgraded materials, a restyled center console, and advanced comfort options like heated, cooled, and massaging seats.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 made subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. New wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo were also introduced. The ID.4, based on VW's MEB platform, maintained a minimalist interior design with quality materials, even in the base model. The 2023 updates included a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats. Despite its EV distinction, the ID.4's design didn't fully embrace traditional SUV aesthetics, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of the segment.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept things straightforward with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. 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 featured Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. The Avenir Technology package added a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its size and weight, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, offering good off-the-line acceleration and a pleasant engine sound at wide-open throttle.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery pack options: a new 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's driving dynamics were comfortable and refined, though it allowed too much body roll to be truly entertaining on twisty roads. The regenerative braking system offered a coasting default setting and a more aggressive "B" setting, but lacked one-pedal driving capability.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space and comfort. Ingress and egress were easy, and visibility was excellent. Standard features included an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated with power lumbar control. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and second-row heated seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated six full-size adults comfortably, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room in all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The restyled center console featured new push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment for cupholders.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample front-seat and rear-seat legroom and headroom. Cargo space was also substantial, with 30.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The ID.4's towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models. The 2023 updates improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the center console, a better phone storage spot, and available three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting a larger 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously, and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Other notable features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance with hitch view, a digital rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The user interface included sharp graphics, natural-language voice recognition, and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional automotive split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly, lacking physical feedback. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard on all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features on the Premium trim included enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model, similar to the 2023 version, earned the IIHS' highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear park distance control, automatic high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. The 2023 model added standard Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.