2021 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue added a unique touch. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious beige-leather and aluminum interior, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats. The seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage features, making long drives a pleasure.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave aimed to recapture Buick's former glory with a large, impressive SUV. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats with heating, ventilation, and basic massaging functions. The wood-and-leather steering wheel, stylish center console, and triple-zone climate control contributed to a luxurious and serene cabin environment.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which felt insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with a supercharger added, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing better performance. The Polestar tune further boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. However, the XC90's acceleration was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was also unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and did not significantly improve fuel economy.

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, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's nine-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly, and the vehicle handled well for its size. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing ride comfort and handling. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior featured the Sensus infotainment system, which responded quickly and housed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The system was well-organized, though some functions were buried in menus. The XC90 offered seven seats as standard, with an integrated booster cushion for young children in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was generous, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave provided a spacious and quiet cabin, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was more accommodating than many competitors, and the vehicle offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to use, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization.

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 satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the area behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steel and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were less comprehensive, with many advanced systems restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, 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 five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.