2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era. However, the Enclave marked a return to form, embodying the brand's historical elegance while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, the Enclave stood out with its impressive design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a distinctive grille, polished 20-inch wheels, and a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a minimalist and sophisticated interior, though it was noted that the wood accents were not genuine.

In contrast, the 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a symbol of luxury and refinement, distancing itself from its Ford Expedition roots. With a price tag of $97,000, the Navigator Reserve exuded elegance and understated style, despite its massive size. Its design featured simple rectilinear shapes, a monochromatic package, and a few chrome accents, creating a classy appearance. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats were a highlight, offering 30 different adjustments for ultimate comfort. While the Navigator's ride was not as supple as some competitors, its overall refinement and power made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxurious driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), making it a practical choice for families. The SUV's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned experience with continuously variable damping, ensuring a comfortable ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, boasted a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, provided the Navigator with a sprightly performance and a thrilling sound. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, the Navigator offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its towing capacity was a substantial 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds). However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Navigator's suspension was not as advanced as some competitors, its overall refinement and power made it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim offered luxurious seating with massaging functions and heated, ventilated leather seats. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, 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 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, capable of accommodating six to eight passengers. Its boxy design provided ample headroom and legroom, with a cargo capacity of 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and 2,925 litres in total. The Navigator L variant offered even more space. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second row featured heated seats and a three-zone climate system. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size and audio quality. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. While the system was user-friendly, the lack of advanced features and short trial periods for connected services were drawbacks. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt dated compared to newer competitors. Its 10-inch touchscreen lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was only satisfactory. However, the system was intuitive, with fast voice recognition and wireless device charging. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming, and the vehicle offered wireless ignition key functionality.

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, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. However, the Navigator lacked knee airbags and advanced self-steering capabilities.