2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past design missteps. It stood as a large, impressive SUV, reminiscent of the brand's former glory days. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior that appealed to those seeking a premium feel without venturing into the luxury price bracket. Its exterior design, especially in the Avenir trim, featured a unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its road presence. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale design with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a simple and user-friendly interior, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Rogue continued to evolve with a more mature and sophisticated design. Its exterior featured Nissan's V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a sleek floating roof design. The Rogue's interior was a highlight, with a layered dash design and a centre console that maximized space with an electronic gear selector. The cabin was equipped with numerous storage options, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad, catering to the needs of modern families. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats and spacious second row provided comfort for all passengers, while the fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top-tier Platinum model.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km for FWD models and 11.8 L/100 km for AWD versions.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, on the other hand, introduced a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a significant improvement in performance and fuel efficiency over its predecessor. The Rogue's CVT transmission provided a wider range of gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. Fuel consumption was impressive, with ratings of 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway for FWD models. The Rogue's chassis and suspension delivered a smooth and controlled ride, with minimal body roll and a tight turning diameter.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior functionality, with numerous storage options and charging ports for all passengers. Its second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Rogue's cargo area offered 1,033 litres of space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. This made it a practical choice for families and those needing ample storage.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function, but its connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a technology upgrade, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link provided advanced driver-assist capabilities, integrating navigation for predictive speed control.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided Level 2 driver-assist capabilities, enhancing safety in various driving conditions. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.