2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV that managed to convey a sense of sportiness without resorting to excessive design elements. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, avoiding the rugged off-road look and instead focusing on a sleek, road-friendly appearance. The RDX A-Spec was positioned in the middle of the trim hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305, and offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, all contributing to its dynamic aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past grandeur, offering a large, impressive presence. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, with a design that exuded luxury, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist approach, soft leather seats, and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's design was both stylish and functional, providing a comfortable and serene environment for its occupants.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim came with exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its handling capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive on the Essence grade, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned ride with continuously variable damping. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. The front seats were notably comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard, while the A-Spec trim added ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need for a flat cargo floor, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the seats folded, and featured additional storage compartments for organization.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console instead of a touchscreen. While it required some adjustment, it was an improvement over similar systems from other brands. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi tethering, and a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system. However, the TTI system could still be distracting, and Acura could benefit from integrating more intuitive controls.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with a simple and logical user interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were less comprehensive, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist limited to higher trims. The Enclave earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but 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.