2022 Volvo XC60 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 managed to regain its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as a significant model, embodying the brand's American-made heritage 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 yet upscale design with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, with the exception of a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. The interior remained largely unchanged, maintaining a clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The R-Design trim added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery. Overall, the XC60's interior was subdued compared to other Volvo models, but it provided a sophisticated and comfortable environment.

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, offering strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, and it handled various driving conditions with ease. 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.

For the 2022 Volvo XC60, new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains replaced the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60's acceleration was slightly slower than the previous model, but the mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, with a zero to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet, achieving zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was quiet and comfortable, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning efforts, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave provided 668 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity was 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded for mild-hybrid models, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less space. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB ports in all rows. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with over-the-air updates. While Android users could sync their profiles, iPhone compatibility was also promised. The system's graphics were appealing, and the new layout allowed for easy navigation through menus.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert in Canada, but other safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Volvo's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and lane centring, providing a reliable driving aid.