2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's modern appeal by minimizing brightwork. Buyers could choose from four trim levels, with base pricing ranging from $44,645 to $55,845, and an additional $300 for colours other than grey or silver. The interior of the Odyssey, especially in the Touring trim, was upgraded with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, offering a more luxurious feel. The new 19-inch alloy wheels and toned-down chrome added to the Odyssey's refined appearance, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence in the SUV market. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable ride for up to seven passengers. The Enclave's design was both stylish and imposing, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft, perforated leather seats. The cabin was designed for comfort, with features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. Despite its size, the Enclave drove like a smaller SUV, with a smooth ride and commendable handling, making it a strong choice for those seeking a premium SUV experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and improved brake modulation contributed to its handling prowess, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on the Essence grade, while AWD was available on higher trims. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless shifts. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned experience with continuously variable damping, making it suitable for various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The Enclave's large fuel tank allowed for over 900 kilometres of travel on a single tank.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The driver's seat was 12-way power-adjustable, providing comfort with inboard adjustable armrests. Heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats provided ample space for both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering a roomy and quiet cabin for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat was 10-way power-adjustable. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, with cargo space measuring 668 litres behind it, expanding to 2,764 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. Higher trims added features like a navigation system, CabinWatch interior camera, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and wireless headphones, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited to higher trims, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking available on the Premium and Avenir trims. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.