2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step in Buick's journey to reclaim its former glory. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. 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 soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, with the exception of a somewhat complicated electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was designed by modifying the standard Atlas model. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a sportier, coupe-like appearance. The Execline trim, with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels, emphasized the vehicle's bold and upscale look. However, the interior was marred by hard, glossy plastics that detracted from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport offered a spacious interior with generous rear legroom and a variety of colour combinations that conveyed an upscale feel. The cargo space was reduced compared to the standard Atlas, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, allowing for strong acceleration. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The vehicle's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a smooth ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, was more satisfying and had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 engine in the Atlas Cross Sport felt more energetic than in the standard Atlas, although the suspension was criticized for being too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering comfortable seating for six or 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 spacious, and the cargo area offered 668 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, providing ample space for five adults. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space, and the cargo area was practical, despite being smaller than the standard Atlas. The interior offered numerous storage options, although many lacked lining, leading to potential noise from stored items.

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, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were considered lacking compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the area behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, featuring a 10.25-inch screen and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender audio system, which was highly praised. However, the user experience with the infotainment system was sometimes frustrating, and pairing a smartphone was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features across all trims, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. The Atlas Cross Sport's safety systems were generally effective, although some features, like Lane Assist, occasionally misinterpreted road markings. The vehicle received favourable crash-test ratings, though not the highest accolades.