2021 INFINITI QX80 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harked 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 soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 combined elements from the Nissan Armada and Infiniti's own styling. Its body-on-frame construction, shared with the Armada, provided a truck-like ride, but the QX80's front-end styling, including the grille and headlights, was distinctly Infiniti. Standard features included LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, with higher trims offering 22-inch wheels. Inside, the QX80's design closely resembled the Armada, with added luxury touches like wood trim and leather upholstery. However, some elements, like the foot-operated parking brake, felt less premium. Despite this, the interior maintained a luxurious feel, though it lacked the exclusivity some buyers might seek.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The V6's low torque peak contributed to its impressive performance, and the nine-speed automatic ensured seamless shifts. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across various driving conditions. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 came with a 5.6-liter V8 engine generating 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) was standard, with 4WD available as an option. The V8 engine delivered responsive performance, making highway overtaking stress-free, though the transmission shifts could have been smoother. The QX80's independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models provided a comfortable ride, though some shudders were noticeable over bumps. The QX80 excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 8,500 pounds, and offered decent off-road capability with its 4WD system and skid plate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to 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 Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, and the cargo area provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a standard seven-seat configuration with second-row captain's chairs, with an optional eight-seat configuration. The front seats were 10-way adjustable for the driver and eight-way for the passenger, with heating and cooling on Sensory models. Passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading, and the third row was suitable for adults. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The QX80's center console provided limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

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, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive, requiring multiple inputs for simple tasks. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system were helpful features, enhancing visibility and ease of driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection rated four stars.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash tests and four stars for frontal crash tests. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features were standard across all trims, providing comprehensive safety coverage.