2022 Buick Envision vs. 2022 Buick Enclave: What’s the Difference?

The 2022 Buick Envision and 2022 Buick Enclave each offer a bit of luxury at mainstream prices, but the much larger Enclave offers plentiful seating for seven. What are the differences between the two?

Quick Facts

• Both Buick SUVs come with a single engine choice and optional all-wheel drive.
• Enclave offers plenty of space for 7 passengers.
• Both offer a more luxuriously appointed top Avenir trim.

2022 Buick Envision

Base price: $32,995 / Find out more about the 2022 Buick Envision

What we like: Stylish exterior; good price; luxurious Avenir trim.

What we would change: No hybrid option; single engine choice; not very exciting to drive; add some more standard features.

Overview: Occupying a middle ground between mainstream and luxury, the 2022 Buick Envision is a stylish little mainstream crossover with some decent features and a fancy Avenir trim. There’s only a single engine choice, a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but it earns respectable fuel economy and provides ample power, although the Envision is not exactly a thrill to drive. Front-wheel drive is the default, although all-wheel drive is available for all-season security.

The exterior look of the Envision is handsome and modern, and the interior is comfortable. The base model includes cloth seats, but upper trims add leather and other goodies. Standard safety features on all trims are bundled within the Buick Driver Confidence Plus suite and include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

What’s new for 2022: There are no major changes to the Envision for 2022.

Features and technology: A single 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the 2022 Buick Envision, linked to a 9-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is the standard setup, although all-wheel drive is optional in all trims. Standard features include cloth seats, push-button start, and LED headlights, although surprisingly, there is no dual-zone automatic climate control. An 8-inch touchscreen is paired with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as SiriusXM. Standard safety features include front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert with blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Up next, the Envision trim adds an air ionizer, leather seats, and a 10.2-inch infotainment system. The top Avenir trim has 20-inch wheels, diamond-stitched leather seats, ventilated front seats, a massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless device charging, and a Bose premium audio system.

Various packages add a more sporty look or heated front seats, a fancier stereo, and a larger infotainment screen.

What does the future hold: We would like to see a sportier engine choice to go with the Sport appearance package, or possibly a hybrid, which could add power while improving fuel economy. See 2022 Buick Envision models for sale near you

2022 Buick Enclave

Base price: $43,995 / Find out more about the Buick Enclave 

What we like: Stylish; roomy; optional all-wheel drive; good cargo space.

What we would change: Not terribly sporty; luxury features are in higher trims only; single engine choice.

Overview: A 7-passenger 3-row SUV, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a premium SUV without the premium price. It’s comfortable, amply powered, and well equipped. A midcycle refresh for this year brings more safety technology and an updated interior as well.

A 3.6-liter V6 makes more than 300 horsepower, sent to either the front wheels or all four. Power is sufficient, although the specialty of the Enclave is comfort and long-distance cruising rather than sporty handling. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Inside there’s plenty of space for seven and easy access to the third row. Materials quality isn’t quite up to the standards of its European competition, but then again, neither is the price. With all seats folded, the Enclave boasts nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space. We like the luxury features in the higher trims but don’t think the top Avenir trim warrants its $50,000-plus price.

What’s new for 2022: This year’s midcycle refresh brings some updates to the exterior look, with LED headlights and taillights and new wheel options. Also new is a Sport Touring appearance package that gives it a sporty look but doesn’t alter the Enclave’s performance. There is also additional safety technology. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and a push-button system replaces the traditional gearshift stick.

Features and technology: There’s only one engine option in the 2022 Buick Enclave, a 3.6-liter V6 linked to a 9-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is the default, although all-wheel drive is optional. Standard features include LED headlights and taillights, an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, second-row captain’s chairs, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The refresh brings more standard safety features this year, including automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, and automatic high beams.

Higher trims add a dual-pane sunroof, leather seating, wireless device charging, and adaptive cruise control. The top Avenir trim includes special wheels, grille, fascia, lighting, and nicer interior trim.

What does the future hold: Given a refresh this year, we don’t expect anything too radical. However, an optional hybrid could not only increase power but improve fuel economy. See 2022 Buick Enclave models for sale near you

Envision vs. Enclave: Strengths Comparison

Envision Benefits: Much less expensive; fuel economy; top safety scores.

Enclave Benefits: More power; 7-seat capacity; cargo space.

2022 Buick Envision vs. 2022 Buick Enclave: What’s the Difference?

With nearly 22 inches of length separating these two Buick crossovers, your choice may come down to your needs. A spunky little crossover SUV with some luxury touches, the 2022 Buick Envision feels more expensive than it is and is comfortable and easy to maneuver in the city. Still, it can only carry four or five passengers in comfort.

Considerably larger and with a legitimate 3-row seating, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a great choice for families, with loads of cargo space, good passenger room, and plenty of options if you’re looking for a luxury family SUV at more of a mainstream price.

See 2022 Buick Envision models for sale or See 2022 Buick Enclave models for sale