2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically known for its softer lines and functional interiors, Buick had shifted its focus entirely to SUVs, reflecting the broader market trend. The Enclave, with its mid-cycle refresh, showcased several exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias, headlamps, and taillamps. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheel design. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury feel. The Avenir trim further elevated the experience with climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX exuded a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and high ground clearance. The GX's design was both rugged and sleek, with flared fenders and a short wheelbase that emphasized its off-road capabilities. Despite its luxury badge, the interior was marred by an abundance of plastic materials, a trade-off for maintaining the model's low sales volume. However, the GX did offer luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The Black Line Special Edition added exclusivity with limited paint options and a distinctive aesthetic. While the GX's design leaned towards off-road prowess, it retained a sense of luxury, albeit with some compromises in material quality.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the Enclave's AWD system ensuring stability across various terrains. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Buick's QuietTuning technology further contributed to a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery, it lagged behind more modern engines in terms of efficiency and output. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was impressive, but its fuel economy was less so, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight and older design contributed to a less agile driving experience, though its off-road capabilities were bolstered by a Torsen limited-slip differential and a robust 4WD system.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. Standard features included power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and tri-zone climate control. The Enclave's three-row seating configuration provided ample room for passengers, with the third row accommodating adults comfortably. The second-row captain's chairs added versatility, and the power-folding third-row seats made accessing the generous cargo space easy. With up to 2,758 litres of cargo capacity, the Enclave was well-suited for family adventures.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX prioritized off-road capability over interior space. While the centre console offered ample storage, the third row was cramped and best reserved for emergencies. The GX's side-hinged rear door required effort to open, and its cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres available behind the third row. Folding the seats expanded the capacity to 1,832 litres, but it still fell short compared to other SUVs. The GX's interior featured hard buttons for controls, which some might prefer over touchscreens, but the overall space and functionality were less accommodating than the Enclave.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's technology suite included a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera, enhancing both convenience and safety.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while updated with a 10.3-inch touchscreen, lagged behind in terms of modern technology. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the graphics and responsiveness were not as advanced as newer Lexus models. The GX's off-road capabilities were supported by features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control, but its infotainment offerings were less impressive compared to the Enclave.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Despite its older design, the GX offered a range of driver assistance systems, though it lacked some of the latest safety technologies found in newer models.