2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional styling, blending seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its design was characterized by a similar "daylight opening" shape to its competitors, with only minor distinctions like the grille and chromed plastic features setting it apart. Colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral tones, making vibrant choices like Radiant Red a rarity on dealer lots. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome in higher trims, though it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave represented a shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. The Enclave's mid-cycle refresh brought enhancements such as a new grille, updated fascias, and distinctive wheel designs, particularly in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials, offering features like climate-controlled seats and a split sunroof. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with exclusive seat patterns and piping, providing a touch of luxury that, while not quite at Cadillac levels, was a cut above many competitors.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. This powertrain, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. While not the most thrilling in terms of driving engagement, the CR-V's performance was on par with its class, offering predictable handling and ride quality. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims, similar to most competitors, except for the Subaru Forester, which offered standard AWD.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a more robust 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided impressive off-the-line acceleration for a vehicle of its size, despite its nearly 2,000-kilogram weight. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a smooth and quiet ride. The Enclave's AWD system and 19 centimetres of ground clearance offered confidence in light off-road conditions, although it was primarily designed for on-road comfort.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accessible via various tailgate options depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort, with spacious seating for up to six adults across three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered ample room even for taller passengers. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, while the restyled centre console with push-button gears provided a modern touch.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer and satellite navigation. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a superior 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 paired devices and included a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional tech features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology, with advanced options like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Its Honda Sensing system, standard across all trims, included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety by standardizing the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist, among others. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.