2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design, reminiscent of the classic Buicks. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles, with the Enclave standing out as a significant model that connected the brand to its past while catering to the modern SUV market. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a spacious and luxurious experience, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured unique styling elements and upscale interior finishes. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a sense of simplicity and elegance, although the electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan maintained its sporty and athletic appearance, with a design that evolved subtly over the years. The Macan received a styling refresh, larger wheels, and a new centre console with haptic touch controls, enhancing its modern appeal. The Macan S test vehicle, with its Volcano Gray paint and 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, exemplified Porsche's tradition of graceful aging. Inside, the Macan drew inspiration from other Porsche models, featuring a sporty and purposeful cabin with red leather and metallic accents. The Macan's design communicated its performance-oriented mission, making it a standout choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by 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 trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. Its performance was characterized by strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The Enclave'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 Porsche Macan offered a range of powertrains, with the Macan S featuring a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This engine allowed the Macan S to accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package. All Macans came with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission and a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The Macan S was equipped with larger 20-inch wheels and Porsche Active Suspension Management for improved ride and handling. The Macan's performance was marked by its agility, precise steering, and impressive grip, making it a thrilling choice for driving enthusiasts. Its fuel consumption was rated at 13.0 L/100 km, close to the official rating of 12.2 L/100 km.

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 luxurious amenities such as 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, with a stylish centre console and ample storage space. The third-row seat provided commendable room, and the cargo space measured 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded down.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, while sporty, offered a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger, with optional 14-way power-adjustable seats. The rear seats were more cramped, but the Macan's design allowed for easy entry and exit. The new steering wheel, modelled after the 911 sports car, and the redesigned centre console with haptic touch controls added to the Macan's modern appeal. Cargo space measured 488 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,503 litres with the rear seats folded down, providing adequate room for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a Buick Infotainment System with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the system met basic expectations, it fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered upgrades like a premium sound system and a surround-view camera. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Porsche Communication Management, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. The system was intuitive, though voice recognition was less reliable than competitors. The Macan provided stereo volume and tuning controls separate from the touchscreen, enhancing usability. Optional audio upgrades included a Bose or Burmester sound system, catering to audiophiles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control were limited to the Avenir trim with an optional package. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked some advanced driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Porsche Macan included standard lane-departure warning and a reversing camera. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Macan offered Park Assist with a surround-view camera, aiding in parking manoeuvres. While the Macan lacked advanced driving assistance technologies, it provided reliable performance for its available features. Safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the Macan.