2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a significant return to form for the brand, which had struggled through the Malaise Era of automotive design. Once a symbol of American luxury, Buick had to reinvent itself to survive, especially after the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy. The Enclave, with its large, shiny, and impressive design, was a nod to Buick's glorious past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, 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 minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, with only subtle updates to its exterior. The interior, however, was crafted with the quality and refinement Lexus was known for, offering a quiet cabin with minimal engine noise. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, added unique styling elements. Despite its dated design, the GX's cabin was comfortable, with physical controls that were easy to use, although some switchgear was outdated. The GX's tall and narrow design made it easy to maneuver, but the steering was slow and heavy, making parking a chore.

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 a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, or 11.8 L/100 km with AWD. During testing, it averaged 11.1 L/100 km with FWD, allowing for over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its 4.6-litre V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 2,948 kilograms. The GX's fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but it achieved 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved its ride and handling, making it stable and secure despite its tall and narrow design. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was quiet and comfortable, with features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the cargo area offered 668 litres of space behind it, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, but its narrow design made rear seat access challenging. The GX's third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with only 328 litres available behind it. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 1,322 litres, and with the second row down, it offered 1,833 litres. The GX's side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, especially in tight spaces.

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 and a Teen Driver function but lacked advanced audio and screen options.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The GX's stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights. Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras added to the GX's tech offerings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on higher trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, advanced driver assistance technologies were limited to the Avenir trim with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a Marginal headlight performance rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors. Despite its age, the GX's safety features contributed to a favourable driving experience.