2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a visually appealing SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sporty demeanor without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-road vehicle, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim added unique interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the sporty look and feel of the cabin. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave took a more conservative approach to styling, reflecting its traditionally older customer base. Over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, introduced in 2008 and redesigned in 2018, received a mid-cycle refresh for 2022, featuring new exterior styling elements and upgraded interior materials. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim level included unique design touches and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled center console, heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs, providing a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to add the SH-AWD system for improved handling. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel, enhancing the RDX's driving dynamics. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires, contributing to its sporty handling.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Avenir Technology package added a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, offering good off-the-line acceleration despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, and the engine produced pleasant sounds under wide-open throttle.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need to maximize utility, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle. Cargo space measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Acura also provided additional storage compartments under the cargo floor, enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, as a midsize crossover, offered easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating for all passengers. The Enclave's cabin was spacious, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room in all three rows. The third row could comfortably accommodate six-footers, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The restyled center console featured new push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment for cupholders. Cargo space measured 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. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While the TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use than Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, voice-recognition technology, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch reconfigurable version on Premium and Avenir trims. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot supporting up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims also included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, which, while superior to the standard six-speaker system, could use more power. The Enclave also offered a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Acura RDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant updates to its safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package now 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 higher trims 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 rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.