2021 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. The interior featured quality materials, but the design felt more like a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest of Buick's SUVs, offering a luxurious and spacious interior. The Avenir trim added a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium look. Inside, the Enclave featured organic forms, minimalist controls, and polished accents, though the wood was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Pilot offered a comfortable ride with athletic handling, aided by its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 10.9 L/100 km. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, delivered 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The engine's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly. The Enclave's premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping provided a smooth ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 11.1 L/100 km. The Enclave's large fuel tank allowed for over 900 kilometres of travel on a single tank.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on the Black Edition, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was comfortable, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's small screen and limited voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response and a simple interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose system were less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was functional but lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.