2022 Ford Explorer 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 big, shiny, and impressive vehicles. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its American-made charm, appealing to those who appreciated a blend of luxury and practicality. Its design was both modern and reminiscent of Buick's glory days, with the Avenir trim adding a touch of elegance through unique grille patterns and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir offered a minimalist yet upscale interior, featuring 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 provided a simple and luxurious driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer presented a more athletic and rugged appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform that allowed for a long hood and rakish roofline. The Explorer's design was further enhanced by the popular "floating roof" effect, achieved through blacked-out roof pillars. Inside, higher-trim Explorers offered a mix of quality materials, though some elements hinted at the base trim's influence. The Explorer's cabin was designed for practicality, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated seats, but it fell short in terms of storage solutions. Despite this, the Explorer's robust build and off-road capabilities made it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 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 up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the Enclave averaging 11.1 L/100 km in combined driving with front-wheel drive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrain options. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms (5,300 pounds). For those seeking efficiency, the Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6, generating 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The most powerful option was the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, standard on the ST and Platinum trims, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kilograms (5,600 pounds). The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with off-road prowess enhanced by the Timberline model's increased ground clearance and improved approach angles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with massaging functions and heated, ventilated leather seats. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and cargo space was generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer catered to families with its comfortable seating for four to five passengers. While the third-row seat was best suited for children, the front and second-row seats offered excellent comfort and features like massaging functions and heated seats. However, the Explorer's interior storage solutions were lacking, with limited practical pockets and cubbies. Cargo space was adequate, with up to 2,132 litres available with the rear seats folded.

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 fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a unique rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Explorer's voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4 technology. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

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 features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.