2022 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying the brand's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. The Enclave's design was both elegant and commanding, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft, perforated leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco captured attention with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It was a highly sought-after vehicle, with its lineup expanding to include the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance off-road performance. Its modular construction allowed for easy customization, and the interior was designed for durability with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs. Despite its rugged nature, the Bronco offered modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and advanced safety features, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and daily driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by 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 delivered strong acceleration, and its nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts. The SUV's premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping offered a 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.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with features like a two-speed transfer case and G.O.A.T. modes enhancing its capabilities. The Everglades model excelled in challenging terrains, and the Bronco's on-road performance was surprisingly refined, offering a smoother ride than its competitors.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, 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 cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 1,481 litres with the rear seats folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was further enhanced by external mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

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, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with features like G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco's technology suite included off-road apps and a wireless charging pad, making it a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package offering forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS awarded it high marks, but its headlight performance was rated Marginal.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS for most tests.