2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harked back to the brand's glory days with its impressive size and American-made craftsmanship. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its elegant design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The minimalist design and organic forms created a sophisticated atmosphere, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized practicality and ruggedness, particularly in the Wilderness trim. Despite its homely appearance, the Forester's design was functional, with protective cladding and a suspension lift for increased ground clearance. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces for a durable feel. The interior was straightforward, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Wilderness trim added unique touches like copper-colored stitching and accents, enhancing its adventurous appeal. Overall, the Forester's design was less about luxury and more about utility, appealing to those seeking a capable and practical SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the driving experience with a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's ride was smooth and comfortable, with excellent handling across various driving environments. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply by 25%, doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing 25.9 mpg. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The Forester's suspension and off-road capabilities were impressive, with the Wilderness trim excelling in challenging terrains.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities, including power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and ample storage space. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, and the Enclave provided commendable cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit and a practical interior. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's seating was comfortable, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents for passenger comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 28.9 cubic feet available without the panoramic sunroof and up to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Forester's roof rails were upgraded for 2022, accommodating a three-person roof tent for camping trips.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in terms of screen size and smart home integration. The Avenir trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, but lacked advanced features like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The available rear camera mirror was a neat feature, providing a live video view of what's behind the Enclave.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims, including the Wilderness, featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Forester Wilderness also included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss. The Forester's PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's "Top Safety Pick+" rating.