2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean and somewhat understated design. While some might have found its styling a bit dull, this simplicity often allowed the design to age gracefully, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition, named after the largest ranch in the U.S., featured distinctive 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although some design elements like the taillights and the roof C-pillar could have been improved for a more modern look. Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch cattle-brand logos, providing a luxurious feel despite the presence of hard plastics in lower trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels for added presence. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft, perforated leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception. Overall, the Enclave's design and interior aimed to provide a sense of luxury and comfort, appealing to those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering an impressive 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite lacking the traditional V8 rumble, the engine provided a pleasant exhaust note and robust performance. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Expedition's power was efficiently distributed to all four wheels via its standard 4WD system in Canada. The Expedition offered a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms, with the MAX version slightly lower at 4,082 kilograms. Its independent rear suspension contributed to improved ride quality and interior space, while the adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim enhanced comfort. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 L/100 km on the highway, making it a relatively efficient choice for its size.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's FWD configuration allowed for easy handling, while the AWD option was available on higher trims. The Enclave's towing capacity was rated at 2,268 kilograms. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing ride comfort across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km, allowing for long-distance travel on a single tank.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in its ability to tow, carry cargo, and accommodate passengers. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access, and its interior offered comfortable seating for all passengers, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,962 litres with the seats folded down in the standard-length model.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering a spacious and quiet cabin for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The centre console provided ample storage, and the second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and easy access to the third-row bench. Cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the seats folded down, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked the larger 12-inch Sync 4 setup found in newer models. Additional features included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with its responsive interface and voice recognition technology. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition prioritized safety with its Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but some were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.