2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles, embodying a blend of American-made grandeur and modern SUV appeal. It was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a striking presence with its elegant design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra 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 a simple and user-friendly interior, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder embraced a robust and modern design, drawing inspiration from Nissan's new era of SUV styling. It featured a bold V-motion grille, LED headlights, and a distinctive C-pillar reminiscent of the original Pathfinder. The Pathfinder's design changes aimed to position it as a more capable and rugged vehicle, with a wider and more planted stance. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a flexible and family-friendly environment, with innovations like the EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology and a removable second-row centre console. The interior was spacious, with best-in-class front-seat legroom and thoughtful features like a motion-activated power liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with a premium-tuned suspension and continuously variable damping in the Avenir Technology Package. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel efficiency rating of 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The Enclave's ride and handling were well-suited for various driving environments, providing a serene and comfortable experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, and offered standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Pathfinder's suspension provided a stable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms and offered seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder's steering was responsive, and its tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver in urban and off-road settings. The transmission occasionally struggled at speed, but overall, the Pathfinder delivered a capable and versatile performance.

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 included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the cargo area offered 668 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility, with improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass for a quieter ride. It offered features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to install up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide technology made third-row access easy, and the removable second-row centre console added convenience. The Pathfinder provided 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,421 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior was spacious, with heated front and second-row seats and tri-zone climate control.

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 Enclave offered upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and a rear camera mirror, but its connected services had short free trial periods.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a wealth of technology, including a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch touchscreen, and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upper trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital instrument panel and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's technology was user-friendly and accessible across various trim levels.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard in Canada. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking 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 four-star frontal-impact rating.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor, and the Pathfinder Platinum had 11 airbags. The Pathfinder's comprehensive safety suite provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.