2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic that valued comfort over cutting-edge aesthetics. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned to an SUV-focused lineup, reflecting broader market trends. The Enclave, with its 2022 mid-cycle refresh, showcased a more modern exterior with a new grille, updated fascias, and distinctive lighting elements. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled center console and upgraded materials, particularly in the Avenir trim, which featured exclusive design elements and luxurious seating options.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a bold mid-cycle makeover, particularly noticeable in its front-end design. The SUV adopted a more aggressive look, with LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, drawing inspiration from the BMW 7 Series sedan. While the new styling was polarizing, the X7 maintained its imposing presence. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, alongside high-quality materials like supple leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite some criticisms of the new design, the X7's interior revisions added a modern and elegant touch.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the Enclave's AWD system and premium ride suspension enhancing its handling capabilities. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and its QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a more powerful performance with its base xDrive40i model featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The M60i model took it further with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing impressive acceleration and handling for a vehicle of its size. The X7's ride was slightly firmer, reflecting BMW's focus on driver engagement, but it maintained a good balance of performance and comfort.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The restyled center console and push-button transmission gears added to the Enclave's functionality, although the potential for spills raised some concerns.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided ample space for passengers, with a roomy second row and a power-operated middle row for easier access to the third row. The third row could accommodate average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space was 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The X7's split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading cargo more convenient, while front-seat passengers enjoyed adequate storage for personal items.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot and multiple USB ports for charging. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology, with additional options like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display available on higher trims.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had moved many functions to the touchscreen, complicating basic operations. Voice commands offered some relief, but the lack of physical buttons for frequently used features was a drawback. The X7's safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights, with options for adaptive cruise control and a semi-automated parking function. The highway driving assist feature was particularly appreciated for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard across all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Additional features like enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 BMW X7's safety features were comprehensive, with standard offerings like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and options included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature was a standout, providing significant relief on long drives. While crash test results were not available, BMW's reputation and the X7's extensive safety features ensured passenger protection.