2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Acura MDX

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, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort. However, the Enclave marked a shift towards a more contemporary aesthetic, with its 2022 refresh introducing a new grille, updated fascias, and redesigned lighting elements. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels, offering a touch of luxury without reaching the opulence of a Cadillac. Inside, the Enclave boasted upgraded materials and a restyled centre console, enhancing both comfort and visual appeal. The Avenir trim further elevated the experience with standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, making it a comfortable and stylish choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S aimed to blend luxury with performance, featuring a more aggressive design and a host of premium features. The Type S badge, a first for Acura SUVs, signified a subtle yet sporty aesthetic, with chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels enhancing its stance. Inside, the MDX Type S offered a luxurious cabin with quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a panoramic moonroof. However, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, detracted from the overall experience. While the MDX Type S was visually appealing, certain elements, such as the electronic transmission switchgear, proved less intuitive, highlighting a disconnect between form and function in this performance-oriented SUV.

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. 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 practical choice for families with towing needs. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping, offering a serene and comfortable journey. Despite its size, the Enclave's acceleration was surprisingly brisk, and the engine's sound added a touch of personality to the driving experience.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This represented a significant power increase over the standard MDX, but the added weight of the Type S somewhat offset these gains. The MDX Type S employed a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system, which provided excellent handling and cornering capabilities. However, the performance enhancements didn't fully coalesce, resulting in a driving experience that lacked cohesion. The MDX Type S struggled with transmission indecisiveness and brake pedal modulation, and its fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. While the MDX Type S offered a thrilling ride, it fell short of delivering a seamless performance experience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The cabin offered ample room for passengers in all three rows, with the third row accommodating six-footers comfortably. The Enclave's second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, and the restyled centre console with push-button transmission gears added a modern touch. The Enclave also boasted impressive cargo space, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats further enhanced convenience, making the Enclave a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a versatile interior with three rows of seating and a configurable second row. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats didn't provide the expected level of support for spirited driving. The MDX's third row was best suited for children, and the cabin's design prioritized style over storage space. The cargo area offered 461 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded. While the MDX provided ample cargo space, the interior design choices limited storage options within the cabin.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience. The Enclave also offered a range of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive suite of technology for a comfortable and safe drive.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment display, but the lack of a touchscreen interface was a drawback. Instead, the MDX relied on a True Touchpad Interface, which proved less intuitive than traditional touchscreens. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In, providing connectivity options for tech-savvy drivers. The Type S Ultra trim featured a high-end ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers, delivering an immersive sound experience. However, the infotainment system's design choices limited storage space and usability, detracting from the overall technology experience.

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-change alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 2023 Acura MDX featured a range of safety technologies, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, the MDX's safety systems occasionally issued false alerts, and the adaptive cruise control's speed resumption was slower than desired.