2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, stood out even more, offering standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, packed with technology yet uncluttered. The interior featured smartly grouped controls, high-quality materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen positioned for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave harked back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a commanding presence, especially in the Avenir trim with its unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with organic forms, minimalist instrumentation, and polished accents. The interior featured soft, perforated leather seats with heating and ventilation, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some acclimation. Overall, the Enclave offered a comfortable and serene cabin experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV achieved 65 MPGe combined and 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode. It featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes for battery power management. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm. This engine, combined with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's ride was smooth and comfortable, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The steering and brake response were well-calibrated, though the steering could have been quicker. The Enclave achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior space, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the second row folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior featured smart storage solutions, including cupholders and cubbies.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, providing ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim offered luxurious features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with massage, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. It offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and integrated navigation with hybrid mode optimization. The Q5 included an Integrated Toll Module and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also available.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response and logical user interface. It 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 less impressive. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced rear visibility.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS rated it highly, but headlight performance was marginal.