2021 INFINITI QX50 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, stood out with its American-made build and premium looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and luxurious leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple and elegant, except for the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 distinguished itself in the crowded luxury compact crossover segment with its unique VC-Turbo engine and distinctive design. The large honeycomb grille and athletic hood gave it a sporty appearance, while the rear's crooked chrome strip added character. The panoramic moonroof brightened the cabin and offered stunning views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD trim featured attractive 20-inch alloy wheels and a well-appointed interior with soft-touch materials, aluminum accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats provided heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it achieved 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching. The engine produced 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The QX50's VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for optimal power and efficiency. The CVT provided a smooth and quiet driving experience, with simulated shift points for a more familiar feel. The QX50 offered FWD as standard, with AWD available for an additional cost. The drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes, with Sport mode offering the most responsive performance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The center console provided comfortable padding and storage options. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, with 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row expanded the cargo area to 58 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it offered a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50, though a compact vehicle, felt spacious inside with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet of space with the seats up and 64.4 cubic feet with them folded. Without the panoramic moonroof, these figures increased slightly. The QX50 also featured numerous storage bins, cupholders, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the Bose sound system was not as impressive as competitors' offerings. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also came with ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system that combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, enhancing long-distance driving comfort.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were somewhat limited, with advanced systems restricted to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, was standard only on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were exclusive to the Avenir trim with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 excelled in safety with standard features such as blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and high-beam assist. Additional features included lane-departure prevention, blind-spot intervention, and traffic sign recognition on higher trims. The QX50 received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and high crash protection ratings from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention.