2022 Buick Enclave vs. 2022 Buick Envision Comparison

With three rows of seats, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a midsize SUV with space for seven, as opposed to the 5-passenger compact 2022 Buick Envision. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Buick Enclave

2022 Buick Enclave Starting Price: $42,800 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Stylish; roomy; good cargo space; optional all-wheel drive.

Below Average: Not terribly sporty; most luxurious features reserved for higher trims; single engine choice.

Consensus: With seating for seven and a comfortable interior, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a premium 3-row SUV at a reasonable price. There’s only a single engine choice, however.

2022 Buick Envision

2022 Buick Envision Starting Price: $31,500 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Powerful engine; stylish exterior; luxury touches at a lower price.

Below Average: Sport Touring package is appearance only; best for four passengers, not five; some features are not available in the base trim.

Consensus: A compact crossover SUV, the 2022 Buick Envision offers a bit of luxury at a more mainstream price point. The ride focuses more on comfort than sport, and it’s better for four rather than five passengers.

Enclave vs. Envision: Three Rows or Two

Buick Enclave

A solid 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, with a midcycle refresh for 2022 bringing more safety technology and an updated interior.

A 3.6-liter V6 makes more than 300 horsepower, which is sent to either the front wheels or all four if you want more confidence in winter driving. Power is sufficient to keep the Enclave moving, although the specialty of this SUV is comfort and long-distance cruising rather than tearing through turns. The maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Inside, there’s plenty of space for seven adults and easy access to the third row. The quality of materials is not quite up to the standards of some of its European competitors, but then again, neither is the Enclave’s price. There are standard captain’s chairs in the second row, and a new gearshift design for 2022 means a less cluttered front. With all seats folded, the Enclave boasts nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo space.

Standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, second-row captains’ chairs, and LED headlights and taillights. New for 2022 are more standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, forward-collision alert, and automatic high beams. Upper trims add such things as leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The top Avenir trim has some nicer interior details, but we don’t think its $50,000-plus price tag is worth it.

Buick Envision

With a number of SUVs in the Buick family, the 2022 Buick Envision falls between the Encore GX and the Enclave. Seating is for five, but the Envision is still probably best for carrying four in comfort.

Priced more like a mainstream compact crossover, the Envision feels more refined, like an entry-luxury model. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder makes a decent amount of power at 228 horses. Its delivery is smooth rather than sporty and the ride is tuned for quiet and comfort. Inside, the Envision has high-quality materials, with even the base trim’s cloth being soft and smooth.

Standard features include an 8-inch infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and active noise cancellation. Every Envision also comes standard with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus safety suite, which includes lane-keeping assist, forward-collision alert, lane-change alert with blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Upper trims get amenities like leather seats, a Bose premium audio system, a 360-degree camera, and a larger touchscreen. A Sport Touring package adds special wheels, badging, and grille, but does not include performance improvements.

Similarities

Optional all-wheel drive; luxury interiors; one engine choice; warranty.

2022 Buick Enclave Advantages

V6 power; cargo space; 7-passenger seating.

2022 Buick Envision Advantages

Fuel economy; price; easier to park.

Which One is Right for Me?

This choice could come down very simply to how large your family is. The 2022 Buick Enclave has three rows of seats for seven passengers. It’s also more powerful and quite luxurious at the higher trims.

But if you don’t need that third row, the 2022 Buick Envision makes more sense. The engine is perfectly adequate to keep it moving and has better fuel economy, and the Envision’s smaller size makes it a better fit for urban driving and parking.

Ready to buy a Buick Enclave or Buick Envision? Shop for one on sale now near you.