2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a significant return to form for Buick, reminiscent of its glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as a testament to Buick's past, while also catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured unique styling elements and upscale materials. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a sense of simplicity and elegance, though its electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a modern evolution from Volvo's boxy past, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury segment. The XC90, built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, showcased a sleek and athletic design with a nod to its Swedish heritage through details like the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury" with authentic materials and exquisite details. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident in its interior options, offering a tailored wool blend upholstery alongside traditional Nappa leather. The XC90's design and materials underscored its position as a luxury vehicle, providing a refined and comfortable driving experience.

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, offering strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, allowing for over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 455 horsepower. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied by model, with the Recharge offering an impressive 4.0 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The XC90's driving experience was characterized by its smooth power delivery and agile handling, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered flexible seating configurations for six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was best suited for children, the XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage options and a standard panoramic moonroof that enhanced the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme conditions, ensuring a comfortable environment for all passengers.

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, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered useful features like a rear camera mirror, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While the system was intuitive, it could be slow to respond. The XC90 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims. The Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing the vehicle's technology offerings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more, but advanced features like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal by the IIHS.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. Volvo's Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 earned top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, reflecting its strong safety performance.