2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, which had struggled to regain its former glory after a period of decline. The Enclave, with its large, shiny, and impressive design, harkened back to Buick's heyday while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, standing out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a sportier and more assertive design. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the MDX's cabin was spacious and luxurious, with authentic materials like natural wood and genuine aluminum. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection system added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both stylish and functional, with a focus on quality craftsmanship.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts. The SUV's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned ride with continuously variable damping, ensuring a comfortable and composed driving experience. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX came standard with Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) in Canada, enhancing cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid and confident ride. The 10-speed automatic transmission worked seamlessly with the engine, offering smooth shifts and responsive performance across various driving modes.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, and the Enclave provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,764 litres available with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, with comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, allowing for balanced legroom between passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX offered USB connections in all three rows. The MDX's cargo capacity was flexible, with up to 2,690 litres available with the second and third rows folded down. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Acura MDX boasted advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a configurable digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The MDX also offered a head-up display, CabinTalk feature, and over-the-air software updates.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked some advanced safety technologies.

The 2022 Acura MDX earned a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. The MDX featured an advanced safety structure and pedestrian safety enhancements. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.