2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a sense of luxury and style that appealed to those looking for a premium vehicle without the luxury price tag. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its presence on the road. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents, creating an upscale atmosphere. The leather seats, though not real wood, added a touch of luxury, and the electronic transmission shifter, while initially fussy, became intuitive with use.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave underwent a mid-cycle refresh that brought several exterior styling enhancements, including a new grille, front and rear fascias, and updated headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim received its own unique design elements, further distinguishing it from the rest of the lineup. Inside, the 2022 model featured a restyled centre console with new push-button gears and upgraded materials throughout. The available heated and cooled seats, along with the climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, elevated the comfort level. The split sunroof added an extra touch of luxury, making the 2022 Enclave a more refined and modern choice.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. The premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, part of the Avenir Technology Package, offered a smooth and comfortable ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

For 2022, the Enclave retained the same 3.6-litre V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, producing identical power figures. However, all trims in Canada came standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and stability. The Avenir Technology package continued to offer a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The Enclave's powertrain remained responsive, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly. The QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology contributed to a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles. While the Enclave wasn't designed for off-road adventures, its AWD system and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and wintry conditions.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. It featured seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat offered 10-way power adjustments. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with both rows down.

In 2022, the Enclave continued to provide a spacious and comfortable interior. All trims came standard with an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated and with power lumbar control. The Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's third row offered sufficient space for adults, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the flat row of buttons improved access to USB ports and the wireless phone charging pad. Cargo space remained ample, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,634 litres with the third row folded, and 2,758 litres with both rows down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen display and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

In 2022, the Enclave's technology offerings improved, with a standard 4.2-inch driver information centre and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Premium and Avenir trims received a larger, 8-inch reconfigurable driver information centre and navigation. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging was standard. The 10-speaker Bose system in Premium and Avenir trims provided superior audio quality. The Enclave also featured a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM 360L and six USB ports. Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited on lower trims, with advanced systems reserved for higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

In 2022, Buick made significant improvements to the Enclave's safety features. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package became standard on all trims, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.