2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, harking back to its glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past while meeting modern consumer demands for SUVs. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather, polished accents, and a minimalist design, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's interior was otherwise simple and elegant.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained the iconic Wrangler look while incorporating a plug-in hybrid system. The 4xe was nearly indistinguishable from its gas-powered counterparts, save for blue decals, badging, and a charging port. The Wrangler's rugged design elements, such as the exterior-mounted spare tire, removable doors, and seven-slot grille, remained intact. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe offered a mix of leather and plastic, with features like a dramatic grab handle and contrast stitching. While the interior quality was consistent across the lineup, the Wrangler 4xe's focus was more on functionality and off-road capability than luxury.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. The SUV's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, resulting in a total system output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission facilitated smooth power delivery. The Wrangler 4xe's plug-in hybrid system offered an electric-only range of 35 kilometres, with modes to optimize battery usage. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a Rock-trac transfer case, solid axles, and impressive ground clearance. While the Wrangler 4xe excelled in off-road performance, it was not the quietest or best-handling vehicle for everyday driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and cargo capacity ranged from 668 litres with all seats up to 2,764 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was designed to accommodate its battery pack without sacrificing interior space. Headroom and legroom were only slightly compromised compared to gas-only models. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 784 litres available with the second-row seats upright and 1,908 litres with them folded. The Wrangler's compact dimensions made it manageable in urban settings, and the optional power-retracting roof added convenience for open-air driving.

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, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility, but its connected services had short trial periods.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Uconnect was praised for its intuitive interface and included off-road and hybrid electric pages. The Wrangler's infotainment system lacked some modern features like a fully digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging, but it provided essential information and controls.

The 2021 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 added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe shared its safety ratings with other Wrangler models. It received a Good rating in most IIHS crash tests, but the driver’s side small overlap front test was rated Marginal due to a tip-over. Safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear park assist were standard on the Unlimited Sahara High Altitude but optional on other trims. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with some areas needing improvement.