Starting at
Starting at
310 | Horsepower (hp) | 280 |
266 | Torque (lb-ft) | 262 |
5,000 | Max Towing (lbs) | 5,000 |
If you’re searching for handsome styling and upscale elegance, few vehicles can compete with a Buick, recognized as being one of the most luxurious brands in the industry. More drivers are gravitating toward SUVs for their travels, especially if space is a main concern, and Buick has a number of them in its lineup, designed to wow you. More stylish than minivans and loaded with tech and safety features, as well as excellent designer details, three-row SUVs, in particular, are able to effortlessly handle everything you’re bringing along for the ride. Buick’s three-row SUV, the Enclave, is one of the most alluring on the market, and if you want to be dazzled by a vehicle, the Enclave will surely impress. Another popular three-row SUV is the Honda Pilot, known for its powerful engine and abundance of cargo space, so when it comes to the 2022 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Honda Pilot, which SUV will cater to all of your travel needs?
New for 2022, the Enclave has undergone a mid-cycle refresh, which features enhancements to its design inside and out, as well as the addition of even more tech, namely advanced safety features. A new trim level also joins the group, the Sport Touring, which features 20-inch wheels, specialized badging, and increased athleticism throughout. You’ll find a couple of new additions in the Pilot lineup as well, including the new base, Sport model, as well as the off-road-ready TrailSport model. The 2022 Pilot also features more standard equipment, and additional paint colors join the lineup. When it comes to a comfortable ride, accentuated by stylish features and a smooth, refined experience, can the Pilot top the Enclave in the areas of interior design, technology, and performance?
Sliding into the seats of the 2022 Buick Enclave will deliver an awe-inspiring experience, with high-end appointments, loads of space, and contemporary elements sprinkled throughout its exceptional cabin. A ride in the Enclave is amplified by wood and chrome accents, leather-appointed seating in the first and second rows, as well as available ventilated, massaging front seats and more cozy features within. Buick’s famous QuietTuning technology with Active Noise Cancellation allows you to sit back and truly enjoy the ride, even when you’re sitting in bustling traffic going into the city. An available panoramic sunroof makes the drive even more intriguing; with unhindered views of the skies above and with plenty of space to relax, everyone on board will enjoy a top-of-the-line experience, no matter where they’re seated.
It’s difficult for many vehicles to compete when a Buick is involved. The 2022 Honda Pilot struggles in the design area a bit, especially when it comes to more luxurious features. The Pilot is built for the average family, which means that it lacks some of the comfort features and designer elements that you’ll be able to find in the Enclave. Top-level models will feature leather seating materials, available second-row captain’s chairs, and a one-touch power moonroof; however, base models will showcase a more simplistic design. If high-end luxury is on your wish list, the Pilot can’t even come close to everything offered in the Enclave to heighten the appeal of any drive.
Whether you’re loading it up with weekend adventure gear or passengers, it’s easy to configure the interior of the Buick Enclave to suit your needs. Flexible cargo options make it a breeze to transport everything needed for your journey, and with a power-folding third row, you’re able to effortlessly handle anything inside the Enclave. A Smart-Slide second row provides more convenient access to the rear of the vehicle, all with a touch of a button, while the LATCH system is in place for those traveling with young children who require a car seat. With plenty of room to fit seven comfortably inside, the Buick Enclave proves that it’s designed to accommodate.
The 2022 Pilot also offers its fair share of functionality and versatility by way of 60/40 split-folding second and third-row seats and plenty of storage options throughout. Although the Pilot does claim to seat eight, the third row is reported to be so cramped that only young passengers are comfortable in this space. This is a disappointment since it significantly limits who can be accommodated inside. Combine this with the lack of elegant styling, as the Pilot is overall less flashy than the Enclave, as well as less accommodating with its pint-size third row, and you’re left wanting more out of this Honda staple.
For 2022, the Buick Enclave has placed tech center stage, offering a slew of cutting-edge features, many of which come standard, which is unheard of in many of its rivals. Presented through a dazzling 8-inch touchscreen, the IntelliLink interface is not only helpful during your journey, but it’s also incredibly easy to use and responsive. From connected navigation to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, wireless charging, and more, the Enclave takes every aspect of your tech needs into consideration. In addition, its brilliant Head-Up Display places all of your must-have information about your ride right in front of you on the windshield. Utilize the available Marketplace app to make a dinner reservation at your favorite restaurant or locate gas stations, parking spots, and much more, all at your fingertips.
You’ll also find that the Enclave showcases an outstanding array of cameras throughout to make any drive safer and more focused, including available HD Surround Vision. This advanced camera system provides you with a view completely around your vehicle for better visibility during your travels. With all of the standard features that you’re able to get in the Enclave, as well as the exceptional available features, any driver can benefit from trusting their travels to a Buick.
The 2022 Honda Pilot is geared toward more practical features, like interior space, cargo options, and ruggedness, as opposed to enhanced features, like tech. This is probably the reason why drivers are a bit disappointed with the tech that resides within the newest Pilot. Its touchscreen is reported to be difficult to use and lacks responsiveness. It’s also been reported to frequently glitch, which can be extremely frustrating to many drivers who are relying on it on a daily basis.
On the bright side, the Pilot does offer smartphone integration, a satellite-linked navigation system, a WiFi Hotspot, and other creature comforts. In order to enjoy the best tech features, however, you’ll need to upgrade to higher-level trims, which can be deterring, especially if you’re on a budget. That’s why our choice here is the Buick Enclave, due to the outstanding tech that resides inside, in addition to an advanced camera system, easy-to-use touchscreen, and more groundbreaking elements within.
The 2022 Buick Enclave offers a capable ride that’s smooth, refined, and ready for anything. Equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine, the Enclave showcases pleasing power, with 310 horsepower to propel it forward and impressive abilities, able to tow up to 5,000 lbs with ease. Its enhanced suspension system provides your ride with a smoothness that can’t be denied, while responsive steering allows you to handle the curves of the road like a seasoned pro. A quiet, tranquil ride awaits in the Enclave, and with all-wheel drive capabilities available, traveling during inclement weather is safer and more controlled when you’re enjoying a ride in this luxuriously refined machine.
On the flip side, you’ll find that the 2022 Honda Pilot leaves many drivers wanting more. Its 3.5L V6 engine isn’t as powerful off the line as the Enclave, generating only 280 horsepower. In addition to lacking power, its large van-like stance makes it difficult to handle, especially when the road ahead gets windy, and drivers have reported that it’s not the most responsive on the road. Although easy to steer, the Honda Pilot lacks control, which is a cause for concern for many drivers.
It does, however, prove to be a pro on the trails with its new TrailSport model. It features an i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system, which allows for better distribution of torque to help power it through rough terrain with agility. With various modes to provide the highest level of control, including Snow, Sand, and Mud modes, the Pilot proves that it can take on the trails with gusto. Unless you’re adventure-seeking, however, the overall ride quality of the Pilot isn’t nearly as dialed in as the Enclave. So, if you’re looking for the smoothest, most refined ride, you won’t find it in the Honda Pilot.