2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step in Buick's journey to reclaim its former glory. Once a brand known for its large, impressive vehicles, Buick had struggled through a period of less appealing designs. However, the Enclave helped to re-establish Buick's reputation by offering a large, American-made SUV that appealed to modern consumer preferences. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, standing out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, which drivers quickly adapted to.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban shared its styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, featuring a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered a high degree of customization. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, black-painted 22-inch wheels, and sporty design elements. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury, from the economically comfortable LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, although the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark. The Suburban's size and design made it a practical choice for those needing ample space, but its large dimensions could pose challenges in tight spaces.

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 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. The SUV's handling was impressive for its size, and the nine-speed automatic transmission delivered seamless shifts. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The turbodiesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent towing capability and fuel efficiency. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it well-suited for towing and long-distance travel. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities such as 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The SUV provided ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. Most configurations offered seven- or eight-passenger seating. The Suburban's third row was spacious and accessible, and the cargo area was one of the largest in its class, with 1,175 litres behind the third row and 4,097 litres with the rear seats folded. The Suburban featured a power-sliding centre console for additional storage and a variety of storage compartments throughout the cabin. However, its large size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the new electronic push-button transmission controls required some adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like 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 Avenir trim offered upgrades like navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a wealth of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System included an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and a 10.2-inch screen on higher trims, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Suburban offered up to 13 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. Audio systems ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection and five stars for side crash protection.