2021 BMW X3 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 BMW X3, part of the third generation introduced in 2018, received significant updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. This generation of the X3 refined BMW's small SUV formula, offering an exterior and interior presence reminiscent of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior mirrored a downsized BMW X5, while its interior featured the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dashboard was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate, among others.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, part of Buick's transition from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, received a mid-cycle refresh with several exterior styling enhancements, including a new grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Avenir trim featured unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with new push-button gears and upgraded materials. Available features included heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, with the Avenir trim offering these as standard, along with heated second-row captain's chairs and unique trim and seat stitching. The Enclave came in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with the base Preferred trim discontinued for 2022. Our test vehicle, an Enclave Avenir with the optional Technology package, featured Ebony perforated leather seats with Ebony accents, presenting an attractive color combination. While not quite reaching the luxury levels of the Cadillac XT6, the Avenir's materials were a cut above, with exclusive seat sew patterns and piping adding visual appeal and character.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a range of powertrains. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i came with all-wheel drive. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and recharging times of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or almost 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For a true performance experience, the M40i trim offered a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, providing robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The high-performance X3 M model boasted 473 horsepower, catering to those with a need for speed and space for the family.

The 2022 Buick Enclave kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The SUV's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick's reputation for quiet, smooth rides was upheld in the Enclave, especially with the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping. Our AWD-equipped test vehicle handled various terrains admirably, providing a serene cabin experience thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, with good off-the-line acceleration and a nine-speed automatic transmission that performed seamlessly. The Enclave's engine sounds were surprisingly pleasant, adding a touch of personality to the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered impressive cargo space, with up to 62.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, and 28.7 cubic feet with the seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free power liftgate available as an option. The X3 provided ample space for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials complementing the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort and convenience. Ingress and egress were easy, and visibility was excellent thanks to large windshield and window openings. Standard features included an eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated with power lumbar control. Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and second-row heated seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated passengers comfortably in all three rows, with ample headroom, legroom, hip room, and shoulder room. The second-row captain's chairs made accessing the third row easy, and the seats flipped and folded for added versatility. The restyled center console featured new push-button transmission gears and a covered compartment with cupholders, USB ports, and a wireless phone charging pad. 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's power-folding third-row seats made accessing the cargo space even easier.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use. The system combined touch operation with an iDrive dial in the center console, catering to different user preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto available as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. The optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims getting a larger, 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The system could pair up to 10 devices, with two smartphones active simultaneously, and a built-in WiFi hotspot supported up to four devices up to 50 feet away. The interface was user-friendly, though some graphics appeared dated. The Premium and Avenir trims' 10-speaker Bose audio system was superior to the standard six-speaker system, though it could use more power. Each Enclave came with a three-month SiriusXM 360L trial and six USB ports, with front-row ports for charging and data, and second- and third-row ports for charging only. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance with hitch view, a digital rear camera mirror, and HD surround vision.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its driver-assist and safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard on all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other standard safety features included a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received no false alarms during testing. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 Enclave, but it received four out of five stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it "Good" ratings in all but one crash test, where it received an "Acceptable" score.