2021 Audi Q3 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured a massive corporate grille that paired well with its stout, chunky styling, presenting an idea of utility and dynamic handling. Inside, the cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen. When the interior debuted in 2019, it was a standout design, but newer Volkswagen interiors had started to catch up, making the Q3 feel modern and refined, though not as special.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, shiny, and impressive SUV that tethered Buick to its glorious past while addressing current consumer preferences for SUVs. The Enclave was the largest of Buick’s four SUVs, with a design that could compete with higher-priced three-row SUVs. 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 tasteful polished accents, though the wood was not real.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The S-Line trim offered a more potent version of the same engine, delivering 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3’s handling was nimble, and the ride was comfortable, providing a best-of-both-worlds dynamic. The base engine had some turbo lag, but the more powerful S-Line engine felt lively and provided solid power for passing.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The V6 generated 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, allowing for strong acceleration. The Enclave’s ride and handling were impressive, with a premium-tuned suspension and continuously variable damping. The Enclave’s fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it could travel up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Audi Q3 provided 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the total cargo space was subpar for the class. However, the Q3 made up for it with comfortable front seats and impressive rear-seat headroom and legroom, making it suitable for four passengers on a road trip.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy and comfortable seating for six people (seven if you squeeze). The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a stylish center console. The Enclave’s third-row seat was genuinely useful, with commendable room and easy access. Cargo space measured 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 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The upgraded system included a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker premium audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a customizable digital display.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size, smart home digital assistant 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. However, the Enclave offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. The available rear camera mirror provided a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, front-and-rear parking sensors, and self-parking assist.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s safety systems were less comprehensive, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert only available on higher trims. 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, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was only available on the Avenir trim with the optional Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.