2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. The interior, however, remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip that could reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the base LS with standard infotainment and 18-inch alloy wheels to the range-topping High Country, which included luxury features like adaptive air suspension and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its upscale features, the High Country's interior quality fell short of true luxury, with hard plastics and a headliner that felt more utilitarian than premium.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave took a more conservative approach to styling, with softer character lines and a focus on comfort and functionality. Over the years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting market trends. The Enclave, especially in its top-of-the-line Avenir trim, featured exterior enhancements like a unique grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and available heated, cooled, and massaging seats. The Avenir trim also included standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, offering a near-luxury experience without reaching the levels of a Cadillac XT6.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard and four-wheel drive (4WD) available. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. The Suburban's truck-based underpinnings were evident in its handling, with impressive braking power but noticeable body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality, but the vehicle still exhibited some truck-like tendencies.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all trims. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The Enclave handled various terrains with ease, providing a smooth and quiet ride, enhanced by Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. The powertrain was responsive, offering good off-the-line acceleration and pleasant engine sounds at wide-open throttle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom, especially in the second-row captain's chairs. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, but the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value, overshadowed by the Suburban's impressive passenger and cargo space.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating with standard eight-way power driver and six-way power front passenger seats. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated six full-size adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row via standard second-row captain's chairs. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, which could be vulnerable to spills. The Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM’s intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available wireless device charging pad. Optional features included a navigation system, rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a head-up display with easy-to-read graphics.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting a larger 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system, although it lacked some power. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique optional features included a rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated for alerts.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates in safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard on all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional standard safety items included a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.