2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as a new entrant in the luxury SUV market, had the advantage of being unburdened by a long legacy of design expectations. This allowed Genesis to innovate and create a fresh design while still incorporating signature styling cues from its sedan lineup. The GV80 featured an elegant two-box design with a long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive styling elements like the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlights. The interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and leather finishes, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave drew on Buick's historical reputation for producing large, impressive vehicles. The Enclave was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a blend of American-made luxury and modern consumer preferences for SUVs. The Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather seats, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a focus on comfort and ease of use, despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's suspension system, particularly in the 3.5T models, featured electronically controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 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, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Enclave's V6 provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, or 11.8 L/100 km with AWD. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned experience with continuously variable damping, providing a comfortable ride across various driving conditions.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The centre console housed a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The second row offered ample space for two adults, with power-adjustable seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T models, increased passenger capacity to seven and featured a power-fold function.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, known for its spaciousness, comfortably accommodated six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage functions, while the front passenger seat offered similar adjustments. The Enclave's third-row seat was practical, providing commendable room and easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a cutting-edge infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable displays. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were standard on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the system's screen size and audio components lagged behind competitors. The Avenir trim offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system and a rear camera mirror, but Buick's connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with 10 airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GV80 also offered Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.