2022 Subaru Forester 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 a significant model, embodying the brand's past while catering to the modern SUV market. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality and practicality over aesthetics. The Forester Wilderness model, with its rugged design, included features like a suspension lift and protective cladding, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Forester focused on function, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces that emphasized quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Forester's driving dynamics were pleasing, and it excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, despite its lack of engine power and wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. 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 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. The Forester Wilderness model featured a CVT with a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Forester's driving experience was enhanced by the SI-Drive system and dual-function X-Mode, which improved off-road capabilities. The re-tuned suspension and increased ground clearance made the Forester Wilderness adept at handling various terrains.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities, including power-adjustable and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, and 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 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality, with easy entry and exit and a functional interior. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating and decent storage space, with 818 litres of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof and 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded down. The squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with 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 rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition system was inconsistent.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall rating, and it was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.