2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era. However, the Enclave helped restore its reputation by offering a large, impressive SUV that resonated with consumers' preference for SUVs. 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 minimalist design and the somewhat tricky electronic transmission shifter were notable features.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid presented a bold new design that set it apart from its predecessors. With sharp, angular lines and a futuristic grille that seamlessly integrated with the LED lights, the Tucson Hybrid made a striking visual statement. The design was a departure from the more conservative styling of previous models, taking a risk that could either captivate or alienate potential buyers. The interior of the Tucson Hybrid was spacious and airy, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The Ultimate trim added ambient lighting and a sleek digital driver display, although the centre console felt bulkier than necessary. The Tucson Hybrid's design was both innovative and polarizing, aiming to capture attention in a competitive market.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, 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. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 226 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system offered a more responsive and efficient driving experience compared to the gas-only model. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension was adept at handling road imperfections, and its steering was quick and direct. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined rating of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres, making it a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel savings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for up to seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat with massage, and a quiet cabin thanks to Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Enclave provided 668 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, despite its compact appearance, offered substantial cargo space with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. The Tucson's interior was spacious, with generous legroom and reclining rear seats. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, and the cabin featured practical storage solutions like bottle holders and cupholders. The Ultimate trim's ambient lighting added a touch of elegance to the interior.

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 rear camera mirror was a unique feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Ultimate trim, although it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive controls for the infotainment and HVAC systems were less user-friendly, but the steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson featured multiple USB ports and a Bose premium audio system in the Ultimate trim.

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, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to headlight performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert. The Preferred trim added blind-spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim included a surround-view monitor and unique features like blind-spot view monitor and remote smart park assist. The Tucson earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.