2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, particularly during the Malaise Era. This SUV stood as a beacon of the brand's return to its roots of producing big, shiny, and impressive vehicles. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a spacious and luxurious experience that harkened back to the brand's glory days. With its American-made craftsmanship, the Enclave catered to the growing consumer preference for SUVs, providing a bridge between Buick's storied past and the modern automotive landscape. Its 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 continued the upscale theme with a minimalist yet sophisticated interior. The use of soft, perforated leather and polished accents created a sense of luxury, although the wood trim was not genuine. The cabin was designed for simplicity, with the exception of the electronic transmission shifter, which required some acclimatization. Despite this, the Enclave's interior was a comfortable and serene space, thanks to features like the QuietTuned technology and laminated windshield glass, ensuring a calm driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a masterclass in blending traditional Jeep ruggedness with modern elegance. The "L" denoted its extended length, accommodating a third row of seats and offering more legroom. This SUV was instantly recognizable as a Jeep, with its iconic seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, yet it boasted a refined design with improved paint finishes and panel fits. The Grand Cherokee L's interior was a step above its predecessors, offering a luxurious experience akin to a Mercedes, with high-quality materials like real wood, aluminum, and Palermo leather.

The Grand Cherokee L's cabin was spacious and well-appointed, with features like dual high-resolution screens and a faux-suede roof. The attention to detail was evident, with contrasting elements that kept the interior visually stimulating. The optional air suspension provided a versatile ride, adjusting between soft and firm settings with ease. The Grand Cherokee L was designed for both comfort and capability, with five ride height settings and a suite of driving modes that adapted to various terrains. This SUV was a testament to Jeep's ability to combine off-road prowess with on-road luxury.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by 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. The Enclave's driving dynamics were impressive, with a premium-tuned suspension that offered a smooth ride across various terrains. The nine-speed automatic transmission was precise, ensuring a seamless driving experience. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, allowing for over 900 kilometres of travel on a single tank.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered a robust 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was a standout feature, with a stellar ride and handling that rivaled high-performance SUVs. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Fuel efficiency varied, with the V6 achieving a combined rating of 11.3 L/100 km, while the V8 was less efficient at 14.1 L/100 km.

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, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with power adjustments and massage functions, while the second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench offered flexibility. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L excelled in interior space, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. Its Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for essential functions. The cabin was well-appointed, with available features like a panoramic roof and ample USB ports. However, the air vents were small, requiring the fan to be on high, which could be noisy. The Grand Cherokee L offered a versatile seating arrangement, with captain's chairs standard and a bench seat option. Its cargo space was competitive, with ample room for passengers and their belongings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered useful features like a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function, but its connected services had short trial periods.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a wealth of technology, especially on upper trims. Features like massage seats, a head-up display, and night vision enhanced the driving experience. The Uconnect system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were standard, while the Summit trims offered additional driver aids. The McIntosh audio system on the Summit Reserve provided a premium sound experience.

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 added 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 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids. The Summit trims offered additional safety features, enhancing the vehicle's overall safety profile.