2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a unique aesthetic. However, the interior's minivan-like feel and drab exterior design were not universally appealing. Quality materials were evident, but practical issues like pet hair retention on floor mats were noted.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting its traditional customer base. Over the years, Buick shifted from sedans to SUVs, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022, featuring exterior styling enhancements and a restyled centre console. The Avenir trim offered unique design elements and premium materials, elevating the Enclave's appeal. While not reaching luxury levels, the Avenir trim provided a comfortable and visually appealing interior, with features like climate-controlled seats and a split sunroof.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined performance. The torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced traction, while driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand offered versatility. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension and steering contributed to a comfortable and agile ride, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's AWD system was standard in Canada, and it boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Avenir Technology package enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave offered a quiet and smooth ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration and pleasant engine sounds.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The Black Edition featured comfortable heated and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. Storage was abundant, with clever compartments throughout the cabin. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort, with spacious seating for six adults. The Enclave's power-adjustable front seats and tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all occupants. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which offered decent space for adults. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, though concerns about spills affecting the electronics were noted. Cargo space was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,758 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern features, and voice recognition required specific prompts. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system, enhancing family road trips.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a superior Bose audio system. The infotainment system supported multiple device pairings and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Enclave's technology suite included advanced safety features, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and "good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score in one test.

The 2022 Buick Enclave's safety features were significantly updated, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in one test.