2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer was more than just a pretty face. Its appealing styling, with well-proportioned character lines and small details, made it stand out. The available black- or white-painted roof added to its charm. Even the base L trim looked good, which was quite a feat. Buyers had five versions to choose from: L, LS, LT, Activ, and RS, with prices ranging from $20,195 to $26,695, plus a $1,195 destination charge. AWD was available for all but the L trim, with varying costs depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle, an RS trim with AWD, started at $28,195 and ended up at $33,000 with options. However, the cabin's hard plastic materials made it hard to justify the high price.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave had a more conservative design history, but recent years saw a shift towards a more modern, SUV-focused lineup. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, debuted in 2008 and received a significant redesign in 2018. For 2022, it got a mid-cycle refresh with new exterior styling and interior upgrades. The Avenir trim level featured unique design elements and premium materials. Our test vehicle, an Avenir with the Technology package, showcased a luxurious interior with Ebony perforated leather seats and advanced comfort features. While not quite at the level of a Cadillac XT6, the Enclave's materials and design were a cut above, offering a comfortable and stylish ride.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured turbocharged three-cylinder engines. The standard 1.2-liter engine produced 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, but the larger 1.3-liter engine was preferable, delivering 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Both engines came with a CVT for FWD models, while AWD models got a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AWD setup also included a more sophisticated rear suspension for better ride and handling. Our RS trim test vehicle, with AWD and 18-inch aluminum wheels, offered a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, it was loud on freeways and had a bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Our test vehicle averaged 26.1 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept it simple with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. Our AWD test vehicle, equipped with the Avenir Technology package, offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to premium suspension and noise-cancellation technology. The Enclave handled well on various terrains, and its 310 hp engine provided surprisingly good acceleration for a vehicle of its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the engine's sound was pleasant under heavy acceleration.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, despite its small size, was highly functional. It could hold items up to 8.5 feet long with the tailgate closed. The RS trim test vehicle had a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat was roomy but had flat cushions, likely to ensure a flat load floor when folded. The trunk offered 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 54.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional cargo space.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility. Standard features included 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 spacious cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row via second-row captain's chairs. 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 folded. Our test vehicle had power-folding third-row seats for added convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive infotainment system featuring a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Our test car had the larger touchscreen with Alexa Built-in, Spotify, SiriusXM, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy navigation. Other available features included wireless smartphone charging, remote engine starting, and a hands-free power tailgate.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with an 8-inch version on Premium and Avenir trims. The Essence trim had an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot for up to four devices. The Premium and Avenir trims also had a 10-speaker Bose audio system. 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 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer prioritized safety with 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system. Standard Chevy Safety Assist included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. Optional features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech. The Buick Driver Confidence Plus package became standard, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features on Premium trim included enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.