2022 Cadillac XT6 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 option for those seeking a premium feel without the premium price tag. Its Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a simple and user-friendly interior, marred only by a slightly fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT6 presented a more conservative and tailored image, with its polished 20-inch alloy wheels and sleek black paint. The XT6's design was attractive yet understated, with vertical lighting elements that made it appear taller and narrower. Inside, the XT6 offered a comfortable and luxurious experience, especially with the optional semi-aniline leather seats. However, the interior space was not as generous as the Enclave's, and the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults. The XT6's dashboard and controls, while functional, lacked the sophistication expected in a luxury SUV, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen that felt dated compared to its competitors.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its suspension offered a smooth and comfortable ride across various driving conditions. 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.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6, on the other hand, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The V6 engine, shared with other GM crossovers, provided sufficient power and a pleasant sound, though it lacked the turbocharged punch of some competitors. The XT6's adaptive-damping suspension and 20-inch wheels contributed to its athletic handling, but the driving experience leaned more towards comfort than excitement. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 12.0 L/100 km.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. Its QuietTuning technology, along with laminated glass and active noise cancellation, ensured a serene cabin environment. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, while the second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

In comparison, the 2022 Cadillac XT6's interior felt more confined, with less room for passengers and cargo. The power-adjustable front seats were comfortable but lacked massage functions, and the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Storage space was limited, with small compartments and a challenging-to-access tray under the console. Cargo capacity was 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,229 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the system's screen size and audio quality fell short compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but Buick's connected services had short trial periods.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered advanced features like a digital rearview mirror, Night Vision, and Super Cruise, but its analog gauges and 8-inch touchscreen felt outdated. The infotainment system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but usability issues with touch-sensing buttons and counterintuitive controls detracted from the experience. The available Bose Performance Series audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the head-up display was less impressive than those in other GM vehicles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Cadillac XT6 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The standout feature was Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving-assist system. While impressive, Super Cruise had limitations, particularly in challenging driving conditions. The XT6 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.