2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 was a nod to the brand's glorious past, offering a large, shiny, and impressive design that appealed to consumers' growing 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, polished accents, and a minimalist design, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity, with a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter that users quickly adapted to.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, appealing to those seeking a unique driving experience. Buyers had to choose between a two-door or four-door body style and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was highly customizable, with numerous trim levels and special editions, such as the High Tide model, which featured LED lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler's design was all about providing an immersive and adventurous driving experience, with features like removable doors and a foldable windshield.

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 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, which was part of the Avenir Technology Package. The SUV's steering and brake response were well-calibrated, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was designed for off-road adventures. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were all part of its charm for enthusiasts seeking an adventurous and immersive experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for serenity, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious amenities such as power-adjustable and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather upholstery, 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-row seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's form and function were focused on off-road capability and adventure. Its raised suspension and added ground clearance made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and limited storage options. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry challenges but enjoyed a good view and amenities like air conditioning vents and cupholders. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded down.

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 fell short compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the Enclave.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was relatively basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a premium audio system, but the standard setup sufficed for most needs. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, its crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for certain crash tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested the need for cautious driving.