2021 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new front fascia with a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, echoing the aggressive design cues of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights had square LEDs within the same housing, making the differences from previous models subtle unless compared side-by-side. While the GLC wasn't unattractive, it lacked visual excitement from most angles, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, with their wide tires, vertical-bar grille, and lower stance, added some visual drama, as did the GLC Coupe’s fastback roof. However, the beige paint and 18-inch wheels of the test car made it blend into parking lots, despite its over $60,000 price tag.

What truly set the GLC apart was its interior, which was among the best in the business. The all-black interior with stained gray ash wood was rich and luxurious, featuring a continuous sweep of wood from the three circular air vents, padded and stitched leather on the seats and doors, and cold metal covers on the stereo speakers. The fit, finish, and overall quality were impeccable. The major change for 2020 was the standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the older 7- and 8.4-inch displays. The new touchpad on the console, additional buttons on the steering wheel, and the optional 12.3-inch display for the instrument cluster added to the high-tech feel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a return to form for Buick, which had struggled through the Malaise Era and the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy. The Enclave was the largest of Buick’s four SUVs, standing out with its impressive size and American-made appeal. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave ranged from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation and controls, and polished accents. The soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats added a sense of luxury, though the wood trim was not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the fussy electronic transmission shifter, which became intuitive with use. The Enclave’s spaciousness and comfort, combined with its upscale design, made it a strong contender in the premium SUV segment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), was reprogrammed for better performance. The GLC 300 felt more responsive than previous models, though it still lagged behind competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, offered exhilarating performance. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their twin-turbo V8 engines, provided even more power, but the GLC 300’s handling and steering were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Avenir Technology Package, with its premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave’s ride and handling were impressive, with the suspension proving its worth on various road surfaces. Fuel economy was EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s interior featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with a steep learning curve for new Mercedes drivers. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The MBUX system, with its touchscreen, thumb pad, and touchpad, was user-friendly with practice. The GLC had enough room for four adults, but the back seat’s reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was 19 cubic feet behind the seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated, ventilated leather seats. The center console provided ample storage, and the third-row seat was genuinely useful. Cargo space was 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, making it one of the most spacious in its segment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC’s MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality for navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. The system could track behavior, suggest destinations, and provide Yelp reviews. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and underbody shields, though the GLC was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size, smart home integration, and high-end audio components. The Avenir’s 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The Enclave offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The rear camera mirror provided a live video feed of what was behind the vehicle, enhancing visibility.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was named a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. New for 2020 was Exit Warning Assist, which used blind-spot-monitoring sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars. Other features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming, enhancing safety in various scenarios.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s safety systems were effective but 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 more. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.