2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Ford Escape was a striking compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the Ford GT supercar, with a large grille reminiscent of the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks. Its curvaceous design marked a departure from the previous model's upright rear end, which came at the cost of some cargo space. Despite this, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern yet practical cabin, featuring a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and user-friendly controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a commanding presence with its unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels, especially in the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave Avenir exuded luxury with its two-tone interior, soft leather seats, and polished accents. The cabin was designed for comfort and simplicity, with a minimalist approach to instrumentation and controls, although the electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a new three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard on the S, SE, and SEL trims. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium, delivered 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The Escape also featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup generating 198 horsepower. The Escape's sporty handling, direct steering, and strong brakes made it a fun drive, while its hybrid version offered impressive fuel efficiency, with consumption figures as low as 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, and the Enclave's size belied its nimble handling. The nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive, contributing to a refined driving experience. The Enclave's premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, part of the Avenir Technology Package, offered a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design resulted in reduced cargo space compared to its predecessor, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. Despite this, the Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers, along with numerous storage solutions for everyday use.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, comfortably seating six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for serenity, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim offered luxurious seating with power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with all seats folded.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, although its design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, its screen size and audio system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, enhancing visibility.

The 2020 Ford Escape came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Good rating from the IIHS in all phases of testing.

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