2021 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. It embodied the brand's return to its roots with a large, impressive SUV that catered to modern consumer preferences. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious appearance with its Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist design, soft leather, and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity, except for its electronic transmission shifter, which required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer was a bold statement in exterior styling, drawing comparisons to high-end vehicles like the Lamborghini Urus. Its aggressive design, with slim windows, sawblade wheels, and a striking front end, made it stand out. The Blazer borrowed elements from the Camaro, such as its muscled body and chopped roof, to create a sporty appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's flair, with a dark and unsatisfying cabin that felt low-rent for its price point. Despite this, the Blazer offered good customization options and a range of trim levels, each with distinct styling cues.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and comfortable, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres for FWD models.

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options in Canada: a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 hp and 270 lb-ft. The V6, standard on RS and Premier trims, provided a sporty driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension and mechanical torque-vectoring rear axle. However, the transmission's slow response in Sport mode and lack of paddle shifters detracted from the driving experience. Fuel consumption for the AWD V6 was rated at 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres city and 10.5 combined.

The Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious touches such as massaging front seats and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded.

The Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row SUV, comfortably seated four passengers. Its low roofline did not compromise interior space, and the seats were mounted low for easy entry and exit. However, visibility was limited due to the design, though large side mirrors and optional camera systems helped mitigate this. Cargo capacity was 864 litres with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The Blazer also offered practical features like a hands-free power tailgate and automatic climate controls.

The Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked the advanced features found in competitors, such as larger screens and high-end audio systems. The Avenir trim offered upgrades like a premium sound system and a rear camera mirror, but the short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The Chevrolet Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, known for its simplicity and speed. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with options for navigation, wireless charging, and advanced safety features. The system allowed for cloud-based settings transfer and app updates, providing a modern and user-friendly experience.

The Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard equipment in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like 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.

The Chevrolet Blazer came with more standard safety features across all trims, including forward collision alert and lane-keep assist. However, it lacked semi-automated driving functions. The Blazer earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights received lower scores. A driver's knee airbag was standard, but rear emergency braking was not available.