2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a snub-nosed exterior with distinct trim level differentiation, highlighted by standard LED lights and a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the XT5 offered a more upscale interior than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with sweeping horizontal design lines and thoughtful material placement. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, exuded elegance with cut-and-sewn leather and natural wood accents, reminiscent of Cadillac's glory days.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave aimed to tether Buick to its past while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave boasted a commanding presence, especially in the Avenir trim with its unique grille and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents, offering a sense of luxury with soft, perforated leather seats. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a serene cabin environment, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning efforts, making it a comfortable choice for families.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, though the V6 was standard on the Sport trim. The XT5's throttle response was immediate, but it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel efficiency was competitive, with the V6 achieving 9.4 L/100 km during testing, better than the estimated 11.2 L/100 km. The XT5 handled well, with FWD standard on the Luxury trim and AWD available or standard on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine across all trims, generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Enclave's acceleration was strong, aided by the low torque peak. The Enclave's ride was impressive, with a premium-tuned suspension in the Avenir trim offering a comfortable experience across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults comfortably, though technically it could fit five. The rear seat had limited headroom, but legroom was adequate. Cargo space was 850 litres, less than some competitors, but the deep rear cargo area was a plus. The XT5's interior storage was limited, with small map pockets and a lack of a convenient smartphone holder.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in space and comfort, accommodating six to seven passengers with ease. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, and cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded down.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose sound system, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system included a rotary controller, though it crowded the screen's aesthetics. A rear camera mirror and head-up display were available, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, but Buick's short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Night Vision technology was available, enhancing nighttime drivability. The Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked some advanced driver assistance technologies.