2022 Acura RDX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior that appealed to consumers seeking a premium SUV experience. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a touch of elegance with its unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. The RDX lineup included various trims, with the PMC Edition standing out due to its exclusive paint and interior. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package offered high-quality materials and a quieter cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience. Despite some controversial design elements, the RDX maintained a stylish and sporty appearance, appealing to those who valued both aesthetics and performance in a compact luxury SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned ride that handled various driving conditions with ease. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Acura RDX, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and SH-AWD system contributed to the RDX's dynamic driving character. The revised Integrated Dynamics System and adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride and greater responsiveness. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.3 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed an average of 11.4 L/100 km. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, offering a comfortable and communicative experience, though it lacked the performance badge of Acura's Type S models.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with a massaging function. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Acura RDX, while a compact SUV, provided sufficient room for four adults and their luggage. The interior featured a sporty design with a focus on driving position and control layout. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and heating. However, the rear seats lacked comfort for adults. Cargo space was ample, with 835 litres available and hidden storage compartments beneath the load floor, expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Avenir trim offered upgrades like a premium sound system and navigation. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the TTI infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display and touchpad controller. While the system was complex, it included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display, enhancing the overall technology experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety and maintained its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The AcuraWatch suite included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were refined but not as sophisticated as some competitors. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating.