2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious option for those seeking a premium feel without the premium price tag. Its Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a simple and user-friendly interior, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a modern and refined design, unmistakably a Lexus with its signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The redesign offered a longer, wider, and taller body, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX's interior embraced a minimalist approach, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the overall design aimed for simplicity, though some controls integrated into the large touchscreen proved challenging to use quickly. The NX's interior quality was generally high, though some elements, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence grade in Canada, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its suspension provided a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. The SUV's 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 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, with the NX 350 featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered all four wheels, with all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX's fuel efficiency was estimated at 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. While the turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, it lacked the refinement of some German rivals.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14% over the previous model, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the SUV.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and over-the-air updates. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The NX also featured a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability, though the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added 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 rated four stars.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.