2022 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, appealing to an older demographic focused on comfort. However, the Enclave marked a shift towards a more luxurious and stylish approach, especially with its 2018 redesign. The 2022 model featured a refreshed exterior with a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled centre console, upgraded materials, and available heated and cooled seats, enhancing the overall comfort and appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer presented a more athletic and rugged appearance, thanks to its rear-drive platform that allowed for a long hood and rakish roofline. The Explorer's design included blacked-out roof pillars, creating a floating roof effect. While the cabin of higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality materials, some elements hinted at the base trim's influence. The Explorer's design was more about sportiness and functionality, with a focus on providing a robust driving experience. The Timberline trim added a rugged touch, while the ST-Line introduced a sporty look to the lineup.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all Enclave trims came standard with all-wheel drive, offering a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave was known for its quiet and smooth ride, enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave delivered responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave's cabin was exceptionally quiet, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer also offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, producing a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine was available, generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and the sport-tuned ST model offered an engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress. Visibility was excellent, and the standard eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat ensured comfort. The Enclave's cabin was roomy, accommodating six full-size adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, and the restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears. The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, while comfortable for families of four, had a third-row seat best suited for children due to its low roofline and limited legroom. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, but it did include built-in cupholders and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space measured 528 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,132 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information centre, with an 8-inch version on higher trims. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator and HD rear vision camera, with additional features like adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system and a surround-view camera. The Explorer's Sync 3 system was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4, with limitations in voice recognition and feature operation. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Premium trims added features like enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centring assist system occasionally disengaged on sharp curves.