2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a sophisticated appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of luxury to the front, with five LED elements per side arranged horizontally. The MDX's exterior was sleek and low-slung, with flawless paint and chrome, while the interior was modern and simple, featuring twin infotainment screens and high-quality materials that gave it a solid and well-built feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest of Buick's SUVs, offering a commanding presence, especially in the Avenir trim with its unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a luxurious two-tone interior with soft, perforated leather seats, a minimalist approach to controls, and tasteful polished accents. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its fussy electronic transmission shifter, which users quickly adapted to.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided nimble handling and torque-vectoring technology, making it easy to drive quickly and smoothly through corners. The four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, absorbing road bumps effectively.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing the ride quality. The Enclave's suspension proved its worth on various road conditions, from residential streets to highways. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided practical features for families, including sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior featured ample storage options, including a flexible center console, door panel pockets, and a tri-zone climate control system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. It provided 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, GPS-linked climate control, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera system and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and USB charging ports in all three rows. However, it lacked advanced features like a larger touchscreen, smart home digital assistant integration, and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and a rear camera mirror that provided a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, but its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.