2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Buick Enclave

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. These changes were not minor; the styling updates allowed the RX to stand out in a crowded market. Despite its age, the RX remained a stylish option, surpassing anything with a Toyota logo. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble other Lexus cars, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to offer a well-appointed cabin with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Performance dampers, power-folding mirrors with memory, LED ambient lighting, and other premium touches were also included. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a luxurious feel, and the interior was designed to withstand family life. However, the center stack's dated look and the aging climate controls were noticeable drawbacks.

Buick's Enclave, on the other hand, represented a return to form for the brand. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing with globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, connected Buick to its past while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, with the others being smaller models. It was available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with pricing ranging from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000.

The Enclave's design was impressive, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Avenir trim continued the upscale theme with organic forms, minimalist instrumentation, and polished accents. The leather seats were soft, perforated, and embroidered, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the RX 450hL had a total of 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX hybrids featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

The RX's performance was adequate, with most models taking 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h AWD excelled with 30 mpg combined. The F Sport models offered adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. The RX provided a smooth and connected driving experience, with good insulation and strong braking.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 generated 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The Enclave's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The FWD model allowed for easy tire spinning before traction control intervened.

The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's suspension performed well across various driving conditions, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The Enclave achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was functional but not as stylish as its German competitors. The two-row RX comfortably seated four adults, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility. However, the cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor that compromised space. The RX 350L and 450hL also had less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six people (seven if needed). The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage, and 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with matching massage. The seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The Enclave's center console was stylish and functional, with storage options and hidden cupholders.

The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors and between captain's chairs. The cargo space was commendable, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for the 2020 model. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained difficult to navigate. However, standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The RX also featured six USB ports and an available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. The 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave lacked Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as impressive as competitors' offerings. The Enclave did offer a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir with the Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.