2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more muscular and imposing presence for this compact SUV. Its squared-off nose featured a deeper interpretation of Nissan’s V-Motion grille design, flanked by standard LED headlamps and separate LED daytime running lights. Functional forward air vents and active grille shutters contributed to a lower coefficient of drag, despite the Rogue's boxier proportions. The exterior colour palette was simplified to a few core colours, with additional two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, seating surfaces varied from cloth to semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather, depending on the trim, with the Platinum model offering a more luxurious interior that could sway even the most skeptical of Nissan critics.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a nod to Buick's past glory while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, the Enclave boasted a commanding presence with its unique grille pattern and polished 20-inch wheels on the Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents, offering a luxurious feel with soft, perforated leather seats. The cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning efforts, making it one of the most serene vehicles in its class. The Enclave's spacious interior accommodated up to seven passengers, with a focus on comfort and ease of access, especially in the third row.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. This engine was a marked improvement over its predecessor, offering better performance and fuel efficiency. The Rogue's curb weight ranged from 1,536 kg for the FWD S grade to 1,653 kg for the AWD Platinum model. Despite the presence of a CVT, the Rogue's handling was significantly improved, with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped multi-link rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with the FWD model rated at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.0 L/100 km on the highway, while the AWD version saw slightly higher figures.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine provided strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined for the FWD model, with the AWD version slightly higher. The Enclave's large fuel tank allowed for extended travel distances on a single fill-up.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue offered a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system, creating additional storage space under the centre stack. The second-row doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and headroom was increased to 996 mm without the moonroof. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, with upgrades available in higher trims. The cargo space was generous, with 1,028 litres available with the second row upright and 2,064 litres with it folded. The redesigned Divide and Hide cargo system allowed for flexible storage options, though some features from the previous iteration were removed.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious touches like a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with massage, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was notably spacious, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade featured a larger 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system. However, the digital instrument cluster's graphics were criticized for their lack of contrast.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose system were seen as lacking compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a unique rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite as standard, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model added ProPILOT Assist for enhanced highway driving assistance. The Rogue received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements made to later models.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were more limited, with advanced systems reserved for higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Avenir Technology Package added adaptive cruise control. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal by the IIHS.