2022 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 SUV-centric lineup, reflecting broader market trends. The 2022 model, part of a mid-cycle refresh, featured exterior enhancements like a new grille and updated fascias, while the Avenir trim boasted unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave offered upgraded materials, a restyled centre console, and comfort features like heated and cooled seats, especially in the Avenir trim, which also included a split sunroof and unique seat stitching.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport presented a bold and sporty appearance by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, lowering the roofline, and shortening the length. This design choice resulted in a coupe-like silhouette, particularly striking in the Execline trim with its 21-inch wheels. The interior was spacious, accommodating five adults comfortably, with features like 10-way power-adjustable front seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space. However, the use of hard plastics in the interior detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport's design and colour combinations conveyed an upscale appearance, making it a visually appealing choice.

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 trims came standard with all-wheel drive, and the Enclave boasted a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave featured Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology, providing a serene cabin experience. The Avenir Technology package further enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a comfortable drive across various terrains. Despite its size, the Enclave offered responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the V6's fuel economy was less efficient than the turbo-four. The Atlas Cross Sport's ride quality varied, with a harsh urban ride due to its 21-inch wheels, but it excelled on highways where the V6 was most efficient. The suspension tuning was inconsistent, leading to a less refined driving experience compared to the Enclave.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windows. Standard features included power-adjustable heated front seats and tri-zone climate control. The Enclave's spacious cabin comfortably accommodated six adults, with ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was suitable even for taller passengers. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave provided generous cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,758 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, sharing its wheelbase with the larger Atlas, offered a roomy interior for five adults, with generous rear legroom. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, though the lack of lining in storage areas could lead to rattling noises. The cargo area was spacious, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall cargo capacity compared to the seven-passenger Atlas. Despite this, the Atlas Cross Sport provided ample space for luggage and other items.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information centre, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system supported up to 10 paired devices and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though it lacked power for back-seat passengers. Standard safety tech included a following-distance indicator and HD rear vision camera, with additional features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and wireless charging. The system included Car-Net remote connectivity, though user experience issues with the touchscreen and voice recognition were noted. The Execline trim featured a 12-speaker Fender audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Despite some frustrations with the infotainment system, the Atlas Cross Sport's technology offerings were comprehensive and competitive.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trims added enhanced features like 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous Park Assist system. The Atlas Cross Sport's Travel Assist system provided accurate lane-centring, though it occasionally lacked refinement. While the Atlas Cross Sport did not receive top accolades from safety organizations, its crash-test ratings were favourable.