2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step in Buick's journey to reclaim its former glory. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, a large American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's illustrious past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, standing out with its impressive design and luxurious Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to, but overall, the Enclave's simplicity and elegance were its defining traits.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a sporty and modern design inspired by the Camaro. Available in various trims, the Blazer featured a range of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system and sporty styling. Inside, the Blazer's design echoed the Camaro with its infotainment and climate control systems. The 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings added to the Blazer's appeal. However, the interior was marred by hard plastics, and the upper door panel trim was notably hard. The Blazer RS's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and comfortable, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The steering and brake response were well-calibrated, and the Enclave's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 11.1 L/100 km in testing.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The V6, available on higher trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer RS's dual-clutch AWD system provided decent grip, and the SUV felt firm and sporty in city and highway driving. However, the Blazer's suspension struggled on winding roads, and the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift. The steering in Sport mode felt artificially heavy, detracting from the driving experience. The Blazer's fuel efficiency was slightly lower than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the cargo area offered 668 litres of space, expanding to 2,764 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, though the quality of materials was not exceptional. The front seats offered power adjustment and heating, but lacked thigh support. The Blazer's back seat was spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. Storage options were plentiful, and the cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded. The power rear liftgate was a convenient feature, though its hands-free operation was inconsistent.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a well-designed infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and simple controls. The Blazer's technology package included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The RS trim added a premium sound system and navigation. The Blazer's technology was intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall driving 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, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Blazer's safety systems worked well, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. However, the IIHS did not award the Blazer a "Top Safety Pick" rating due to its headlight performance.