2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trims, offered a straightforward choice with a single engine and transmission combination, and options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave, the largest of Buick’s four SUVs, stood out with its impressive looks and upscale Avenir trim. The Avenir added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to controls, and polished accents. The soft, perforated leather seats added a sense of luxury, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave’s simplicity extended to its controls, except for the fussy electronic transmission shifter, which users quickly adapted to.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue’s powertrain was merely adequate. The CVT managed the power well, but the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but testing revealed a disappointing 24.9 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn’t particularly fun to drive, with lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in FWD and AWD, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, and the FWD model allowed for momentary tire spin before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, with its premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave’s suspension excelled across various driving conditions, and the steering and brake response were well-tuned. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and testing confirmed this with an average of 21.2 mpg.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior posed challenges for taller drivers, with limited seat height adjustment and legroom. The seats, though undersized, featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity design and Quick Comfort heating. Rear passengers enjoyed high seat cushions, excellent thigh support, and a panoramic sunroof, making the back seat a preferred spot. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area offered 39 cubic feet of space, underfloor storage, and a Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, one of the largest SUVs in its class, provided ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with lumbar support and massage, and 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seats with matching features. The seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The center console offered padded comfort and storage. The Enclave’s third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors and between captain’s chairs. Cargo space measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades offered SiriusXM, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was outdated, with slow response and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response, good voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB ports in all three rows. Upgrades offered a premium sound system, navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the lack of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration, along with a modest Bose sound system, left room for improvement. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video feed of what’s behind the Enclave.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s safety features were more restricted, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on higher trims. 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 emergency braking were available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, and advanced driving assistance technologies. Despite these limitations, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented a Top Safety Pick designation.