2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. The 2017 model was the first to include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim level was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim came with 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, LED head- and taillights, and upgraded seats.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a significant shift for Buick, moving from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio. The Enclave, first introduced in 2008 and redesigned in 2018, received a mid-cycle refresh for 2022. This included new exterior styling elements like a new grille and updated headlamps. The Avenir trim level featured unique design elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and available heated, cooled, and massaging front seats. The Avenir trim also included standard climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine was adequate for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and AWD available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave provided a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. The nine-speed automatic transmission was responsive, and the Enclave handled various terrains with ease. The QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology further enhanced the serene cabin environment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats lacked bolstering for long-distance comfort. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort and space. All trims came with an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's third row was spacious enough for six-footers, and the second-row captain's chairs made access easy. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and ample storage. Cargo space was generous, 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 were available for added convenience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with vivid graphics and hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a more advanced technology suite. The Essence trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously. A built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims also included a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Other notable features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, advanced safety features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning were not available.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Additional features on the Premium trim included enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, but the IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in most tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.