2022 Volvo XC40 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 vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past while meeting modern consumer preferences for SUVs. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The minimalist design and organic forms created a sophisticated atmosphere, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 embraced a more modern approach, blending traditional design with electric innovation. The XC40 Recharge maintained the familiar shape of its gasoline counterpart, with subtle differences like a solid grille panel and unique badging. The exterior was marked by Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion, showcasing impeccable assembly and finish. Inside, the XC40 offered a spacious and airy cabin, thanks to its Scandinavian design sensibility. The harmonious dash elements and premium materials elevated the XC40 into the luxury SUV category, making it a genuine contender in the premium market.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, aided by a 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 Volvo XC40 Recharge, on the other hand, offered an exhilarating driving experience with its 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering two electric motors. This setup produced 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, propelling the XC40 from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode, enhancing efficiency and driving enjoyment. With a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge and fast-charging capabilities, the XC40 Recharge was both practical and fun to drive. The gasoline XC40 models, while less powerful, still offered respectable performance with turbocharged engines and AWD.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in providing ample space and comfort for its passengers. With seating for up to seven, the Enclave offered a serene cabin environment thanks to QuietTuning technology and laminated glass. The Avenir trim featured luxurious appointments like power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's generous dimensions allowed for a spacious third-row seat and impressive cargo capacity, with up to 2,764 litres of space available.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, while more compact, made efficient use of its space. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, adding to the vehicle's storage options. Inside, the XC40 offered clever storage solutions and comfortable seating, though the rear middle seat was less accommodating. The cargo area provided up to 1,628 litres of space with the rear seats folded, and the XC40 could tow up to 907 kilograms.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system lagged behind competitors. The Enclave offered useful features like a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was packed with technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system integrated Google services, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The XC40 Recharge also featured a heat pump to extend its range and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, though its range reporting method could induce range anxiety.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package added advanced systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, reflecting Volvo's commitment to safety. The XC40 Recharge came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision avoidance systems and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other vehicles, enhancing safety further.