2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With 40 updates introduced in the 2020 model year, the XT5 showcased a new engine option, refined styling, and enhanced technology. Its exterior design featured a more pronounced snub-nosed front, with distinct trim level differentiations. The standard LED lights and 18-inch alloy wheels contributed to its sophisticated appearance, while the interior boasted upscale materials like cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fibre accents. Despite some shortcomings in comfort, particularly in the front seats, the XT5's interior design was more refined than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting its traditional customer base's preference for comfort and functionality. Over the years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs, with the Enclave leading the charge. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh, featuring exterior enhancements like a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim level stood out with its unique grille, climate-controlled seats, and a split sunroof. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably across three rows, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice of two engines across its Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The base engine was a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Premium Luxury trim could be upgraded to a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, which came standard on the Sport trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which provided smooth upshifts but was less refined during downshifts. The XT5's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the V6 achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, outperforming its estimated 11.2 L/100 km combined consumption. The XT5's handling was confident, and its engine start-stop technology was seamless, though it affected climate control performance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave simplified its powertrain offerings with a single 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 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's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, delivering good acceleration despite its size. Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults across two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was adequate, taller passengers found the back seat lacking in headroom. The front seats, though visually appealing, were less comfortable on long journeys. The XT5 provided 850 litres of cargo space, with a deep rear cargo area, though wheel bump-outs limited its width. The SUV's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height power liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort and space, accommodating six full-size adults comfortably across its three rows. The Enclave's second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered ample headroom and legroom. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave provided generous cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with both rows folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience, and the Enclave's interior design prioritized functionality and ease of use.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen housed in Piano Black plastic, offering haptic feedback. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system. The XT5's rotary controller on the centre console facilitated infotainment navigation, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing visibility and driving experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave boasted an 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 pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. The Enclave's adaptive cruise control and head-up display provided additional convenience and safety.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, while the Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2022 Buick Enclave received significant safety updates, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, and more. The Enclave earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests.