2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's "professional grade" ethos, blending ruggedness with a touch of refinement. Positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon offered a truck-based full-size SUV experience, available in various trims including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, providing a sophisticated interior that set it apart from its Chevrolet counterparts. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded an upscale aura, appealing to those who valued substance over mere brand prestige.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a plush and comfortable ride, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels for extra presence. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with soft, perforated leather and tasteful polished accents. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Enclave's wood trim was not genuine, and its simplicity was occasionally marred by a fussy electronic transmission shifter. Nevertheless, the Enclave remained a comfortable and quiet choice for those seeking a serene driving experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered a range of engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided robust acceleration and a distinctive V8 burble, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient. The Yukon Denali's fuel consumption averaged 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop, with a slightly better 14.5 L/100 km on a shorter loop. The Yukon also boasted an independent rear suspension and an available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, enhancing ride quality and handling. Despite its size, the Yukon was capable of hustling when needed, thanks to its Active Response 4WD system and oversized wheels.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivered strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 11.1 L/100 km on a testing loop. The Avenir Technology Package further enhanced the Enclave's performance with a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's ride and handling were well-suited for various driving environments, offering a comfortable and composed experience.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. The Denali trim featured leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sliding console for added convenience. The second-row seats were heated and could slide and collapse for improved comfort and cargo room. The third-row seat offered actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres of space available in the standard Yukon and 4,097 litres in the Yukon XL.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, providing comfort on par with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Cargo space was also generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system. The Rear Seat Media system featured dual 12.6-inch touchscreen displays, though it required some trial and error to stream content. The Yukon also included a 15-inch colour head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera vantage points, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in terms of screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but Buick's connected services had short free trial periods, requiring subscriptions for continued use.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with numerous advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon's ADAS operated smoothly, providing a subtle and sophisticated driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight offered a sense of security.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist restricted to higher trims. The Avenir trim offered adaptive cruise control with the optional Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though 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.