2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from its traditionally conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort. However, the Enclave's 2022 refresh brought a more sophisticated exterior with a new grille, updated fascias, and distinctive lighting elements. Inside, the Enclave offered a refined cabin with upgraded materials and a restyled centre console featuring push-button gears. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille, climate-controlled seats, and exclusive seat stitching, elevating the Enclave's appeal without quite reaching luxury levels.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 was a bold statement in design, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup with its unique styling elements. The GV70 featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating a striking visual effect. Its exterior was marked by dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades, emphasizing its sporty intent. The GV70 offered a wide array of colour combinations, allowing for personalized aesthetics. Inside, the cabin was designed with the driver in mind, featuring a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The elliptical theme and premium materials, including genuine carbon fibre inserts, added to the GV70's luxurious feel, making it a standout in its segment.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 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, providing a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave was renowned 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 offered responsive acceleration, and its nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. The QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin experience, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with our test unit featuring the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors, boasting higher power figures than many German counterparts. The GV70's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive prioritized rear-wheel torque, enhancing its sporty performance. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential, allowing for dynamic torque distribution. The GV70's drive modes, including Sport+ and terrain modes, catered to various driving conditions, while its electronically controlled suspension balanced comfort and road feedback.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats and tri-zone climate control. The Enclave's three-row seating provided ample room for passengers, with the third row accommodating six-footers comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the rear, and the restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears. The Enclave boasted generous cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience to its versatile storage options.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled via a raised dial, and climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The rear offered independent legroom adjustment and a panoramic sunroof, though storage was limited. The GV70 provided 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor for added convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 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 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 paired devices and included a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision, enhancing the Enclave's tech offerings.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen, offering high-resolution graphics and split-screen functionality. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. The GV70's tech offerings were comprehensive, enhancing its appeal as a modern luxury SUV.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70 introduced a radar-based rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system, which included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions. While official safety ratings were not yet available, the GV70's comprehensive safety features underscored its commitment to occupant protection.