2022 Genesis GV80 vs. 2022 Buick Enclave Comparison

Luxury SUVs without the high prices, the 2022 Genesis GV80 and 2022 Buick Enclave have a lot going for them, including strong engines and optional all-wheel drive. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Genesis GV80

2022 Genesis GV80 Starting Price: $49,000 (est.) | Price yours or View listings near you

Above Average: Choice of powerful engines; rear- or all-wheel drive; lots of standard features; great warranty.

Below Average: Small optional third row; brand cachet still growing.

Consensus: Now in its second year, the 2022 Genesis GV80 is a sharp-looking midsize luxury SUV with great standard features and sporty driving manners. One trim level offers an optional third row, but it’s best suited for small children.

2022 Buick Enclave

2022 Buick Enclave Starting Price: $43,995 | 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. Only one engine is available, however.

GV80 vs. Enclave: High Quiet Cabin Quotient

Genesis GV80

All-new just last year, the 2022 Genesis GV80 has already made its presence felt in the midsize luxury SUV segment. It comes with a choice of powerful engines in a standard rear-drive layout, with all-wheel drive an option. With either engine, the GV80 is quick and athletic, and a Drive mode selector can alter the feel to be more focused on sport, comfort, or a combination of the two.

A chiseled exterior includes a diamond-mesh grille, giving the GV80 a look that is both handsome and understated. Inside, the seats are roomy and comfortable, with plenty of space for five. One trim level offers an optional third row, but it’s small and largely unusable. If you need a third row, there are better choices.

As value for money is a Genesis calling card, the GV80 is well-equipped, even in base trim. A wide 14.5-inch screen in the center of the dash controls the infotainment, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, 12-speaker premium audio system, and four USB ports. Also standard are leatherette seating, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision assist, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Upper trims add such things as panoramic roof, 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, leather seating, and surround-view camera. Every 2022 GV80 comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years of free maintenance.

Buick Enclave

A solid 7-passenger, 3-row SUV, the 2022 Buick Enclave is a premium 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.

Inside is 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. Captain’s chairs are standard 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 captain’s 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, 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

Lower price than European rivals; optional all-wheel drive; quiet, comfortable cabins.

2022 Genesis GV80 Advantages

Choice of engines; power; class-leading warranty; standard rear-wheel drive; fuel economy.

2022 Buick Enclave Advantages

Lower starting price; roomy third row; cargo space.

Which One is Right for Me?

If you’re looking for SUV practicality but still want sharp looks and fun driving manners, the 2022 Genesis GV80 is a great choice. It’s loaded with luxury and safety features and it’s a blast to drive, particularly with the powerful twin-turbo V6.

The 2022 Buick Enclave delivers both comfort and space in a true 3-row package. Buyers may want to opt for the optional all-wheel drive for better all-weather handling.

Ready to buy a Genesis GV80 or Buick Enclave? Shop for one on sale now near you.