2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant recovery for the Buick brand, which had struggled through the Malaise Era of automotive design. Once known for its large, shiny, and impressive vehicles, Buick had to reinvent itself to survive, especially after the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy. The Enclave, a large American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's glorious past while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUV offerings, standing 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 minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and luxurious leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough and aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX's interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. Despite these shortcomings, the GX offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile and low side glass. The interior featured analog controls for various functions, providing a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, which was part of the Avenir Technology Package. The suspension excelled in various driving conditions, from urban streets to highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's weight of 2,349 kilograms affected its performance at higher speeds. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and offered respectable ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access and commendable room. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The dashboard design provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was limited, with only a narrow space available with the third row up. With the second and third rows folded, cargo space measured 1,833 litres, less than some competitors.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. However, the GX featured analog controls for various functions, offering a straightforward interface. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was standard, providing high-quality sound.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. 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, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks from the IIHS, though it missed a Top Safety Pick accolade due to headlight performance.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, including features like pre-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.