2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick vehicles were known for their softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge design. However, the Enclave's 2022 refresh brought a more modern aesthetic, with updated exterior elements like a new grille, headlamps, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim, in particular, offered unique styling touches that elevated its visual appeal. Inside, the Enclave featured upgraded materials and a restyled center console, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury feel, especially with the Avenir's exclusive seat patterns and climate-controlled seating options.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC90 showcased Volvo's evolution from its boxy, utilitarian past to a more refined and stylish present. The XC90's design was purposeful yet understated, with a solid front end and the distinctive "Thor’s Hammer" headlights adding a modern touch. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian elegance, featuring luxurious materials like Nappa leather and wood deco inlays. The minimalist design was both beautiful and functional, though it did present some challenges in terms of storage space. The XC90's cabin was a blend of sophistication and practicality, with a focus on creating a serene driving environment.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by the optional 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 made it capable of handling light off-road conditions, although it was primarily designed for on-road comfort. Despite its size, the Enclave offered surprisingly responsive acceleration, and its QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced new B5 and B6 powertrains with mild-hybrid technology, replacing the older T5 and T6 engines. The B5 engine produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. These powertrains prioritized fuel efficiency and smooth operation, with the mild-hybrid system enhancing the driving experience. The XC90's eight-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts, and its handling was impressive for a vehicle of its size. The XC90's brakes were particularly noteworthy, offering a solid pedal feel and inspiring confidence.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers in all three rows. The Enclave's large windows and windshield ensured excellent visibility, and the power-adjustable front seats made it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which offered sufficient space for adults. The Enclave also boasted impressive cargo capacity, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, while offering a peaceful and elegant front cabin, faced some challenges in terms of interior space and storage. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats could be cumbersome, especially with the standard bench seat configuration. Access to the third row was limited, and the available cargo space was less than some competitors, with 12.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 65.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite these limitations, the XC90 drove like a smaller vehicle, offering a nimble and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's technology suite included a range of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering was centered around its 9-inch touchscreen running Google OS, integrating features like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The system's natural-language recognition was a standout feature, allowing for seamless voice commands. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, as it lacked physical buttons for some controls. Despite this, the XC90's tech suite was advanced and intuitive, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. While the NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, the IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most categories, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was recognized for its safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. The XC90's standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which provided a high level of driver support and confidence on the road.