2020 GMC Acadia vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 GMC Acadia was positioned as a premium SUV, offering a range of trims from the basic SL to the luxurious Denali. Built on the same platform as the Cadillac XT5, the Acadia shared its assembly line with Chevrolet models, yet aimed to distinguish itself with upscale aspirations. The Denali trim, in particular, featured a distinctive front design with squared-off headlights and a boxier grille, complemented by brightwork that underscored its premium status. Inside, the cabin retained a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastics, with new electronic transmission shift switches and real open-pore wood trim enhancing the Denali's interior. Despite these touches, the Acadia's interior struggled to fully establish itself as a premium choice, relying on leather upholstery and subtle accents to convey its upscale intent.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its large, impressive design. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable ride, with the Avenir trim adding extra flair through unique styling elements. Inside, the Enclave Avenir embraced an upscale theme with organic forms, minimalist controls, and polished accents. The leather seats were soft and embroidered, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its driving experience, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only notable exception. Overall, the Enclave aimed to blend modern SUV preferences with a nod to Buick's luxurious past.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder for lower trims. The SLT trim introduced a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AT4 and Denali trims featured a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Acadia's powertrain provided smooth and refined performance, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The SUV's ride and handling were finely tuned, though its driving character was considered forgettable. Fuel economy for the test vehicle was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an average of 20.1 mpg achieved during testing.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's ride was praised for its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, providing comfort across various driving conditions. The steering and brake response were well-balanced, though a quicker steering response was suggested. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with an average of 21.2 mpg recorded during testing, allowing for a potential range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered flexible seating configurations for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim featuring standard second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with 10-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs provided similar comfort, and the third-row seat, while not overly spacious, was more accommodating than expected. Cargo space was limited to 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 79 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering roomy accommodations for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was notably spacious, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo capacity was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 GMC Acadia came equipped with essential infotainment features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution and improved user experience. The test vehicle included navigation and a Bose premium sound system, with voice recognition technology performing well. Additional technology upgrades included USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in terms of screen size and smart home integration. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was considered average. The rear camera mirror provided a useful live video view of the area behind the vehicle.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered standard safety features such as a rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technology. However, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were limited, with features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims. The Acadia received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS provided incomplete data.

The 2021 Buick Enclave also faced limitations in safety features, with advanced systems restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other ADAS features. The Enclave received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but a Marginal headlight performance rating from the IIHS prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.