2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, which had struggled to regain its former glory after a period of decline. The Enclave, as the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, was a nod to the brand's past while catering to modern consumer preferences for spacious and luxurious SUVs. It was available in three trims in Canada: Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $48,000 to over $62,000, excluding destination charges. The Enclave's design was both impressive and elegant, with the Avenir trim offering additional features like a unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale 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 to it.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, with a design that balanced rugged utility and upscale sophistication. The Grand Cherokee's lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit trims, and even high-performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a premium experience with features like a 5.7-litre V8 engine, four-wheel drive, and a plush interior with premium leather and genuine wood accents. However, the interior design was beginning to show its age, with outdated switchgear and some components that seemed like afterthoughts. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee remained a versatile SUV, capable of handling both on-road and off-road adventures with ease.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and while front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, all-wheel drive was standard on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. The SUV could tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned experience with continuously variable damping, making it suitable for various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 11.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and could tow up to 2,818 kilograms (6,200 pounds). For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine provided 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms (7,200 pounds). The V8 engine featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, although it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it suitable for urban environments as well.

The 2021 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, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with a stylish centre console and plenty of storage options. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, and the cargo space was impressive, 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment and were heated and ventilated. However, the rear seat was somewhat snug for taller adults, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system could feel claustrophobic. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,934 litres with the second row folded. The SUV also featured practical storage solutions, like grocery bag hooks and a power liftgate closing button.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the SUV.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system was impressive, offering a nearly flawless user experience with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee also offered advanced driving assistance systems and sophisticated 4WD systems, although it was considered "tech lite" compared to newer models.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada, but advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were only available on the Avenir trim with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received 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.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, its performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems, but its headlights were rated Poor unless upgraded.