2021 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and spacious cabin. By 2015, the second generation arrived, with a styling update in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Despite its fresh look, Ford lagged behind competitors like Honda and Toyota, who frequently updated their models. The Edge's design featured angular headlights and a large grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials, but was marred by hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering various features, from the basic SE with SYNC 3 infotainment to the performance-oriented ST with a powerful engine.

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its large, impressive design. Surviving the 2009 GM bankruptcy, Buick found success with globally sourced vehicles, but the Enclave stood out as a nod to its past while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUVs, the Enclave competed with higher-priced three-row SUVs. Its Avenir trim added a unique grille, brightwork, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with polished accents and soft leather, though the wood was faux. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but manageable. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its performance, with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, offering strong acceleration and a smooth ride.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. It offered front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension handled rough roads well, offering a refined and engaging drive. The sporty Edge ST variant featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque with standard AWD. The ST excelled in performance, with heavy steering and excellent cornering, enhanced by a Sport mode and available performance brake package.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim, while AWD was available on higher trims. The V6's low torque peak provided strong acceleration, and the Enclave handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic shifted smoothly, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping offered a comfortable ride. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and ample storage. The two-row seating provided generous head- and legroom, with 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space measured 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard features. The system was user-friendly, with a home button and easy navigation. The Edge also included smart-charging USB ports and a semi-digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function, but its connected services had short trial periods.

The 2020 Ford Edge came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 system. This included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and park assist sensors. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.