2022 Honda Pilot vs. 2022 Buick Enclave Comparison - Kelley Blue Book

The 2022 Honda Pilot and the 2022 Buick Enclave offer V6 power and roomy seating across three rows. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Honda Pilot

2022 Honda Pilot Starting Price: $36,830 | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Seats up to eight; standard V6 engine; strong resale value.

Below Average: Only one powertrain; the design is beginning to age.

Consensus: The 2022 Honda Pilot carries on as a roomy and comfortable 3-row SUV from a trusted brand and has been a segment favorite through three generations. For 2022, it adds a new entry-level model to replace the dropped EX and LX trims, and a new off-road-oriented TrailSport model.

2022 Buick Enclave

2022 Buick Enclave Starting Price: $42,800 | Price yours or View listings near you

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

Below Average: Not terribly sporty; most luxurious features reserved for higher trims; single engine choice.

Consensus: With seating for seven and a comfortable interior, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a premium 3-row SUV at a reasonable price. There’s only a single engine choice, however.

Pilot vs Enclave: V6 Power with Room to Spare

Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot seats seven or eight in its three rows, with second-row captain’s chairs restricted to the top trims. Passenger accommodations are roomy, and cargo space ranges from 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 82.1 to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

A 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque is now paired exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Smooth and sufficiently powerful, this V6 tows up to 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel economy is fairly good, with EPA combined estimates of 23 mpg (FWD) and 22 mpg (AWD).

The Pilot is capable and comfortable, while handling is secure in part thanks to the optional AWD system’s torque-vectoring technology. Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control are standard.

This year, Honda has also added the TrailSport trim, which is just a trim level for now but could become a more off-road-oriented sub-brand for Honda. The 2022 Pilot EX-L in front-drive boasts features that include leather seating, power moonroof, hands-free power liftgate, 8-inch Display Audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, and LED headlamps.

While Honda dropped the EX and LX for 2022, it added a new lower-priced model, the Sport. The new base model comes with heated and power-adjustable front seats, 3-zone climate control, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, among other amenities. At the top of the range, the Black Edition comes in either black or white pearlescent paint to go with black wheels and exterior trim.

Buick Enclave

A solid 7-passenger, 3-row SUV, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a premium vehicle, which is reflected in a starting price above $40k. It’s comfortable, amply powered, and well-equipped. A midcycle refresh for 2022 brought 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 all four if you want more confidence in winter driving. 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. The quality of materials 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 add such things as leather seating, a dual-pane sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The top Avenir trim has some nicer interior details, but we don’t think its $50,000-plus price tag is worth it.

Similarities

Optional all-wheel drive; premium interiors; one engine choice; warranty.

2022 Honda Pilot Advantages

Lower price; good resale values; comfortable and upscale; new TrailSport trim, seats up to 8 passengers.

2022 Buick Enclave Advantages

More base power; cargo space; more third-row seating space.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Honda Pilot is highly regarded for its comfort, dependability, and solid resale value. All models are well-equipped with plenty of driver and safety assists.

The 2022 Buick Enclave has three rows of seats for seven passengers. It also offers more power from its V6 engine and is more luxurious in its higher trims.

Ready to buy a Honda Pilot or Buick Enclave? Shop for one on sale now near you.