2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a significant return to form for the brand, which had struggled through the Malaise Era of automotive design. Once a symbol of American luxury, Buick had to reinvent itself to survive, especially after the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy. The Enclave, with its impressive size and American-made craftsmanship, became a beacon of hope for Buick, aligning with consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, standing out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted.

In contrast, the 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from its Nissan Armada sibling with distinct Infiniti styling. The body-on-frame construction gave it a robust, truck-like presence, while the front-end design was uniquely Infiniti, offering an assertive yet refined look. Standard features included LED lighting and large alloy wheels, with the ProACTIVE trim offering even larger 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80 shared similarities with the Armada but was elevated with wood trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Despite its luxurious feel, the interior design was more functional than exclusive, with some elements like the foot-operated parking brake feeling less premium. The QX80's interior was spacious, but the lack of charging ports for third-row passengers and limited cargo space compared to competitors were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at a low 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 commendable, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km, allowing for over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a 5.6-litre V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was responsive, the transmission shifts were less smooth. The QX80's body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on the ProACTIVE trim. Despite its size, the QX80 offered a quiet interior, though it felt less composed in corners. Its 4WD system and high towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms made it suitable for off-road adventures and heavy-duty tasks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with massage functions and heated, ventilated leather seats. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the seats folded down.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional eight-seat layout on the ProACTIVE grade. While passenger space was competitive, it wasn't class-leading, and the front seats lacked thigh support. The QX80's cargo space was limited compared to rivals, with a maximum of 2,694 litres. Standard features included a power liftgate and power-folding third row, but storage space in the centre console was minimal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but its connected services had short trial periods.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured a dual-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Bose audio system. While the system included many features, the user interface was complex and not intuitive. The QX80 also offered a Smart Rearview Mirror and an Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2021 Buick Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked some advanced safety features as standard. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on higher trims, included essential safety technologies, but adaptive cruise control and other advanced features required additional packages.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 earned a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. The ProACTIVE grade added advanced features like Backup Collision Intervention, but adaptive cruise control was optional.