2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step in Buick's journey to reclaim its former glory. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, a large American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's past while catering to the modern consumer's preference for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, standing out with its impressive design and luxurious Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's simplicity and elegance were evident.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained a familiar appearance to its gas-only counterparts, with subtle distinctions like "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The CR-V Hybrid offered a sophisticated design with LED fog lights and a unique rear bumper. Inside, it featured distinct trim and instrumentation to display battery status and power distribution. The CR-V Hybrid was available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all with standard all-wheel drive. The Touring trim, in particular, offered a premium experience with features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and a hands-free power liftgate. The CR-V Hybrid's interior was well-appointed, with a two-tone contrast and a focus on comfort, although the fake wood trim was a minor drawback.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to its impressive performance. The SUV's ride and handling were enhanced by the Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's suspension excelled in various driving conditions, providing a comfortable and composed ride. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor. This setup produced a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. It also had three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid's added weight from the battery pack improved weight distribution and maintained the standard CR-V's ground clearance. While the CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of expectations, it delivered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. On the testing route, it achieved 33.7 mpg, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with a stylish center console and generous storage options. The third-row seat was practical, providing comfort comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Cargo space was impressive, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats were supportive, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver. Heated front seats and high-quality leather were standard. The rear seat offered remarkable legroom, akin to the Honda Accord sedan, with air conditioning vents and quick-charge USB ports. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space was well-configured, with 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and a maximum of 68.7 cubic feet. While slightly less than the standard CR-V, it remained practical for most needs.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked integration with smart home digital assistants and had a limited free trial period for connected services. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system, navigation, and a rear camera mirror, but the technology needed improvement to compete in the premium SUV segment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, appeared modern but performed below expectations. It featured a 7-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker premium audio system. The system's slow startup and lack of natural voice recognition were drawbacks. While the Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging, it occupied valuable space on the center console. Despite these limitations, the CR-V Hybrid offered a satisfactory audio experience and supported text messaging and SiriusXM radio.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating. The IIHS rated it highly, except for a Marginal headlight performance rating.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving-assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the technology was effective, it lacked some advanced features found in competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.