2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. It stood as a large, impressive SUV that echoed the brand's former glory while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. 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 boasted a minimalist yet upscale design with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a simple interior layout, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was a model of practicality and function, though its exterior design was often criticized for blending in with other compact crossovers. The CR-V's styling was unremarkable, with a few distinguishing features like its grille and chromed plastic elements. It was available in seven colours, though most were variations of grey, black, or white. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim. While not a standout in terms of aesthetics, the CR-V was designed to comfortably fit five passengers and their gear, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by 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 composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. 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 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower. It was equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided smooth and steady acceleration, though it lacked the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission. The CR-V's handling was predictable, with a MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. All-wheel drive was available as an option, and the CR-V's fuel efficiency was competitive within its class.

The Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious features like power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, with a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated five passengers. It offered more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and had a cargo capacity of 1,065 litres with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate, making it easy to access the cargo area. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its practicality.

The Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and a Teen Driver function. However, its technology fell short in terms of screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim included a rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also included multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with wireless charging available on the Touring trim.

The Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to headlight performance.

The Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind-spot monitoring, which was included on higher trims.