2020 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the boxy, rugged design that many enthusiasts missed since the 2016 LR4. With its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights, it retained the classic Land Rover aesthetic. The Defender's design was both familiar and functional, featuring short overhangs and skid plates for off-road adventures. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender maintained its utilitarian charm. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. The HSE trim, priced at $75,000, lacked the opulence expected at that price point, feeling more like a well-built Jeep than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave aimed to recapture Buick's former glory with a sleek, modern design. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Avenir trim added a touch of luxury with a unique grille, polished 20-inch wheels, and a two-tone interior with soft, perforated leather seats. The minimalist design and polished accents created an upscale feel, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only notable exception. Overall, the Enclave's design was more about comfort and elegance than ruggedness.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with impressive performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system eliminated turbo lag and provided consistent power. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exceptional, thanks to Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines, deep water, and rough terrain with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, noticeable body lean, and deep brake pedal travel. However, it excelled in off-road scenarios, making it a versatile vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, offered a simpler yet effective performance package. It came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the Enclave's acceleration was strong. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing ride comfort and handling. The Enclave's steering and brake response were well-balanced, though the steering could be quicker. Fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. The Enclave's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized functionality and durability. Its interior was designed for tough conditions, with rubber floors and water-resistant materials. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered seating for up to seven. Cargo space was generous, with up to 79 cubic feet available in the 110 model. The Defender's ladder and roof carrier added practicality, and it could tow up to 8,200 pounds. The Defender's design was all about versatility and ruggedness, making it ideal for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior. It offered seating for seven with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and easy to access. Cargo space was impressive, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous Jaguar Land Rover systems. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The 10-inch touchscreen had a grayscale theme and was easier to use, though some interface issues remained. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by front cameras showing the ground beneath the hood and a rearview mirror that doubled as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights, and 360-degree cameras. Higher trims added a 14-speaker Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Avenir trim added a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Enclave lacked smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle. Overall, the Enclave's technology was functional but not cutting-edge.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitor, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts for passing cars or cyclists when exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave needed improvement in its safety systems. Basic features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim with the Technology Package. The Enclave lacked advanced features like lane-centering assistance and rear automatic braking. However, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated Marginal.