2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's journey back to its roots of producing big, shiny, and impressive vehicles. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, stood out with its American-made charm, appealing to those who appreciated its blend of past glory and modern SUV preferences. The Enclave's design was both elegant and commanding, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet 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 electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 was a bold statement in styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup with its unique design elements. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating a striking visual effect. It offered six grades in Canada, with two engine options, including a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 for the Sport and Sport Plus grades. The GV70's exterior sported dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades, enhancing its sporty appeal. Genesis allowed customers to order directly, offering a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations. Inside, the GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on the Sport trims. The interior was a blend of premium materials, although some plastic elements were present in less noticeable areas.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned experience with continuously variable damping, ensuring a smooth 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 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the highlight. This engine produced 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, making it competitive with mid-level performance SUVs. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for a more dynamic driving experience. Its electronically controlled suspension system used a forward camera to adapt to road conditions, providing a balance between comfort and road feedback. The GV70's turning radius was notably tight, aiding in urban manoeuvrability.

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 third-row seat was practical, and cargo space was generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized the driver's experience, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system was controlled via a raised dial, and climate controls were integrated into a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger area featured a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo space was competitive, with 819 litres behind the second row and 1,610 litres with the 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, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 excelled in technology, featuring a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor system. A fingerprint recognition system allowed for keyless vehicle start. The GV70 offered a premium 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system on top grades.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with ten safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. A rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.