2022 Acura MDX vs. 2022 Buick Enclave Comparison

Completely redesigned for this year, the 2022 Acura MDX has a choice of engines and an optional sport suspension. How does it fare against the 2022 Buick Enclave after its own mid-cycle refresh? Let’s compare them.

2022 Acura MDX

2022 Acura MDX Starting Price: $47,200 | Price yours or View listings near you.

Above Average: Room for seven; wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; high-performance Type S variant; optional turbo engine; available all-wheel drive.

Below Average: Tire noise; touchpad can be irritating.

Consensus: A complete overhaul for 2022 gives the Acura MDX a slightly roomier and more elegant interior and a more robust chassis. Build quality is excellent as expected, and Acura has a reputation for delivering solid resale value.

2022 Buick Enclave

2022 Buick Enclave Starting Price: Expected to start in low $40,000 range | Price yours or View listings near you.

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

Below Average: Not terribly sporty; luxury features are in higher trims only; single engine choice.

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

MDX vs. Enclave: Different Luxury Strokes

Acura MDX

In production since 2001, the MDX has been a strong seller for Acura. But the MDX took the 2021 model year off. It is back for 2022 after a full redesign that gave it a slightly longer and wider body and a sophisticated suspension.

Base output in the MDX comes from a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6 that provides smooth power, sent to either the front or all four wheels. Coming soon is the 355-horsepower Type S, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and with Acura’s Super-Handling All-wheel Drive, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring.

We like the angular exterior look of the 2022 MDX, which is complemented by a flexible interior with an optional removable center seat in the second row. The cabin is full of high-quality materials, with Acura’s impeccable build quality. We like the dash and its impressive infotainment screen, although some might find the touchpad a bit of a challenge to use while driving.

Standard features are generous and include a 9-speaker audio system, USB charging ports, tri-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and two 12.3-inch screens.

Every 2022 MDX also comes with the AcuraWatch suite of safety systems including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor. Given Acura’s reputation for reliability, resale values are expected to be strong.

Buick Enclave

A solid 7-passenger, 3-row SUV, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a luxury 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 if you want more confidence in winter driving, all four. 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. Materials quality is not quite up to the standards of some of its European competitors, but then again, neither is 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 include such things as leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof, and adaptive cruise control.

Similarities

Base power; fuel economy; optional all-wheel drive.

2022 Acura MDX Advantages

Optional upgrade engine; longer warranty; sportier drive.

2022 Buick Enclave Advantages

Lower starting price; cargo space; higher maximum towing capacity.

Final Recommendation

If you’re looking for a little more sport and enjoy tearing up mountain roads in your SUV, the 2022 Acura MDX is the call here, with good safety equipment, a luxury interior, and plenty of style.

For those focusing more on space and comfort, the 2022 Buick Enclave has a larger interior and more maximum cargo space, and while it’s not the sportiest thing in the world, it’s a powerful and capable 3-row SUV.

Ready to buy an Acura MDX or Buick Enclave? Shop for one on sale now near you.