If you’re in the market for a new SUV, Buick might not be the first brand you think of. And I get that, since most people still associate them as an “old man’s car,” with anonymous styling and large fonts on the speedo for the vision impaired. But while that might have been true 10 years ago, as someone who’s driven pretty much every vehicle they’ve put out recently, I can tell you that they’ve really stepped up their game and shouldn’t be overlooked!
Case in point, the 2022 Buick Enclave three-row SUV, which receives a mid-cycle refresh and builds upon an already great vehicle with sharper styling, more standard safety features, and an available Sport Touring appearance package that gives the SUV a sportier look thanks to its distinctive front grille with mesh insert and body-color surround, along with 20-inch wheels.
Having driven the second-generation Buick Enclave when it first came out (and really enjoying it), I was excited to spend a week with a 2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD 1SL with the Sport Touring package to see what’s new, how it compares with other luxury SUV on the market, and to see if it would appeal to the younger demographic that Buick hopes to capture.
Visually, the 2022 Buick Enclave is quite the looker, with the seven-passenger SUV getting new front and rear fascias, a new grille, and LED lighting front and rear. New wheel designs and exterior colors are also available. Our car was equipped with the aforementioned Sport Touring package, and we really like the way the mesh grill gives the car a nice little dose of attitude. Overall, it’s a pretty sharp and distinctive looking ride, one that had more than a few people exclaiming, “That’s a Buick?”
The interior of the 2022 Enclave gets a few upgrades as well, most notably a redesigned center console with a push-button shifter replacing the traditional shifter that was there beforehand. I don’t quite understand this move to get rid of shifters, as I didn’t really find it intrusive, but I suppose the lack of one makes for easier access to the wireless charging pad (or maybe it’s so you can reach your drink easier). There’s also premium soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, and available heated, ventilated and massaging front seats depending on trim level.
Click here to read the rest of my review of the 2022 Buick Enclave.
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