2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Buick Enclave

Once upon a time, Buicks were synonymous with big, shiny, and impressive cars. However, during the Malaise Era of automotive design and marketing, their luster faded. It took a significant period for Buick to recover from these past missteps. Surviving primarily due to its popularity in China, Buick remained as one of the four remaining brands after the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy.

Post-bankruptcy, Buick re-established its footing by rebranding globally-sourced GM vehicles like the Encore from South Korea and the Regal from Germany. Although the Buick lineup once included convertibles like the Cascada and sport sedans such as the Regal GS, it was the American-made Enclave that connected Buick to its glorious past. It also addressed burgeoning consumer preferences for SUVs.

In 2021, the Enclave held its position as the largest of the four SUVs that Buick marketed, dwarfing its siblings - the Encore, Encore GX, and Envision. The trend of larger SUVs reigning supreme saw Buick's conventional cars fading out of the lineup due to lack of consumer interest.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was available in four trims: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir. Pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000, including the $1,195 destination charge. The Enclave competed with both higher-priced three-row SUVs from mainstream brands and the more affordable versions of luxury models.

Visually, the Enclave was a stunner, especially in the Avenir trim. The Avenir trim added extra flair with a unique grille pattern, additional brightwork, and distinct 20-inch polished wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir maintained the upscale theme with its minimalist yet elegant instrumentation and controls, organic forms, and tasteful polished accents. The two-tone interior was dressed up with soft, perforated, and piped leather seats that imparted a sense of luxury, although the wood detailing was not genuine.

The simplicity of the Enclave extended to its interior design, with the exception of the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter. However, users quickly adapted to it, making the overall experience quite delightful.

In 2021, there were two Grand Cherokees on the market. The well-known five-passenger two-row Grand Cherokee was on its way out, poised for a full redesign in 2022. The spotlight was, however, on the new seven-passenger 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Unlike the existing Grand Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee L was based on an extended version of the upcoming 2022 redesign, featuring a third row of seats and greater cargo volume. Although one might have expected it to be branded as a 2022 model, Jeep had chosen otherwise.

Jeep banked on the striking design of the Grand Cherokee L to drive sales. The SUV, reminiscent of the larger and more opulent Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, featured Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and recognizable lighting arrangements. It looked impressive in all trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235. The destination charge stood at $1,695.

The test vehicle in question sported Summit trim, 4WD, metallic paint, Advanced Pro Tech Group, Luxury Tech Group, and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system. This brought the price tag to $64,770.

Despite its steep price, the Grand Cherokee L Summit had some shortcomings in terms of interior materials and fittings. Nevertheless, it boasted quilted and perforated leather seats, appealing real wood trim, and a plethora of technology. Compared to the older model, the redesigned interior was a substantial improvement.

Powering the 2021 Buick Enclave was a straightforward yet potent 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 engine churned out 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at a notably low 2,800 rpm. Such low-end torque was usually seen in turbocharged or supercharged engines. When properly equipped, the Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Acceleration was robust, partly thanks to the V6’s early torque peak. The Enclave drove with the agility of a smaller SUV despite its considerable size. The nine-speed automatic transmission was seamless, ensuring the ride stayed smooth and refined. Featured in our test vehicle, which was a FWD model, it kicked in traction control promptly to restore stability when the tires began to spin.

Priced at $57,090, the test vehicle included the Avenir Technology Package, which was highly recommended. This package introduced a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking that functioned at highway speeds. The suspension system was outstanding, handling various driving conditions with ease, from residential speed humps to steep canyon roads, and from urban potholes to serene highway cruising.

Steering and braking were balanced, although a slightly quicker steering response could have been beneficial. The Buick Enclave’s fuel economy was rated by the EPA at 21 mpg in combined driving, with our testing looping achieving 21.2 mpg. With a 21.7-gallon fuel tank, this translated to a potential driving range of up to 460 miles on a full tank, typically requiring a refuel around the 420-mile mark.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Customers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and three 4WD systems with an innovative fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. The V6 engine was rated to tow up to 6,200 pounds, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving.

For those seeking more power, a 5.7-liter V8 engine was optionally available on Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, exclusively with 4WD. Producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, the V8 increased the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds. However, the V8 came with a lower fuel economy estimate of 17 mpg combined and added $3,295 to the price of a Grand Cherokee L with 4WD.

Our test vehicle was equipped with the V6 engine and 4WD, which provided brisk acceleration, albeit with noticeable engine noise when revved. The eight-speed automatic transmission was generally smooth but occasionally resisted downshifts in Auto mode. This was likely an attempt to boost fuel efficiency, although our testing loop recorded an average of just 17.8 mpg, falling short of expectations.

Jeep’s Sport driving mode held revs longer than comfortable, intended for better control from the Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension. The Grand Cherokee L’s off-road capabilities were accentuated by Selec-Terrain off-road modes including Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock. The Summit trim with Quadra-Drive II 4WD featured an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case setting.

With Quadra-Lift suspension in its Normal setting, the ground clearance was 8.3 inches, increasing to 10.9 inches in Off-Road settings, supported by 24 inches of water fording capacity. The approach, breakover, and departure angles were substantial, at 30.1, 22.6, and 23.6 degrees respectively. Although only the Overland model with the Off-Road Group was Trail Rated, the Grand Cherokee L exhibited impressive off-road prowess.

On daily drives, the Grand Cherokee L’s robust structure and smooth ride were evident. Despite slight softness in Auto mode over uneven pavement, the Quadra-Lift air suspension managed body motions well. The steering was variable-ratio, working together with the 20-inch wheels for competent handling on winding roads.

Maneuverability from the driver’s seat was a strong suit, aided by an easy-to-judge corner view and a useful surround-view camera system. The Grand Cherokee L also featured a relatively tight turning circle, typical of Jeep vehicles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave stood out as one of the largest SUVs in its class. With its wide and long structure, the spacious interior comfortably accommodated six occupants or seven with a bit of a squeeze. Buick’s signature QuietTuning, combined with Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass, ensured a peaceful cabin environment.

The Enclave Avenir offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support and a basic massaging function. The front passenger seat was 10-way power-adjustable with a matching massage function. Both seats were heated, ventilated, and encased in soft leather. Additionally, the leather-clad, power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel was heated automatically.

A stylish and padded center console provided storage options beneath the transmission shifter and the center armrest. Cupholders were neatly concealed when not in use. The standard seven-passenger seating arrangement featured second-row captain’s chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. While a second-row bench seat was not an option, the triple-zone climate control was standard, and the test vehicle included heated second-row captain’s chairs.

The third-row seats were genuinely usable, comparable in comfort to the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, though not as spacious as the Volkswagen Atlas. Entry and exit through the large rear doors and between the captain’s chairs were easy.

Cargo space was commendable, with 23.6 cubic feet available behind the third-row seats. Folding the third row expanded the space to 58 cubic feet, and folding the second row further increased the maximum cargo capacity to 97.6 cubic feet.

Comfort in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Summit trim was embodied by heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment and a heated steering wheel. The high-end Grand Cherokee L also featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with vents in all three rows, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

During testing in July in Southern California, we found that the dashboard vents were too small, leading to extended periods of forced loud fan operation with insufficient conditioned air. This created a longer cooling time and an irritating noise.

The Grand Cherokee L came standard with second-row captain’s chairs, but there was an option for a bench seat. The captains' chairs provided ample legroom and comfort. Summit trim added manual side window sunshades, covering nearly the entire glass area—a vital feature for families with young children.

Second-row captain’s chairs could tip and slide forward without removing child safety seats, facilitating easier access to the third row, which was comfortable for all but the tallest adults. Large side windows provided an excellent view, adding to the overall comfort.

Storage in the Grand Cherokee L was reasonable, albeit limited for front-seat occupants. A storage console between the second-row captain’s chairs, opening in two directions, proved useful for both second and third-row passengers.

Cargo capacity behind the third-row seat measured 17.2 cubic feet, with an underfloor storage bin adding utility. Folding the third-row seat opened up 46.9 cubic feet of space. The maximum cargo volume, achieved by folding the second row as well, was 84.6 cubic feet.

Buick’s existing infotainment system in the Enclave met basic expectations but lagged behind competitors in critical areas. The Buick Infotainment System responded swiftly to inputs, had adequate voice recognition, and featured a user-friendly interface with pleasing graphics.

Standard features across all Enclave trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. A Teen Driver function provided driving reports for parents. Available upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system.

The major shortcoming was the screen size, with the Avenir’s 8-inch display being the largest offered. Additionally, the Enclave lacked smart home digital assistant integration, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and its 10-speaker Bose system lagged behind other premium SUVs. The free trial periods for Buick’s connected services were also notably brief.

One innovative feature was the available rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of what was behind the vehicle on the rearview mirror. This feature was particularly useful in the Enclave.

Jeep introduced its latest infotainment system, Uconnect 5, in the Grand Cherokee L. The system promised five times faster response and an enhanced user experience. Available with 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreens, our test vehicle featured the larger screen, seamlessly bridging the center air vents and climate controls.

Despite some initial user-experience quirks, acclimation to Uconnect 5 was swift. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Also notable was the natural voice-recognition system with a programmable wake phrase. While asking “Hey Jeep” for location finds produced accurate results, some humorous suggestions like a medical marijuana dispensary highlighted the system's quirks.

The optional 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system was a standout, delivering superb sound, particularly for bass enthusiasts. However, the McIntosh logo clashed with the interior’s aesthetics, resembling the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland, although audiophiles would likely appreciate its inclusion.

Jeep also offered additional technological features depending on the trim, such as a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a night vision system with thermal imaging, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system.

The available head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses, a thoughtful touch.

Buick needed to step up regarding its safety systems. Although effective, Buick restricted features that came standard on more basic vehicles to the Enclave’s pricier trims. For instance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available only from the Essence trim upwards.

More limiting was the Driver Confidence Plus Package only standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. It also featured a Safety Alert Seat that used vibrations to alert the driver to potential dangers.

The most advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control with enhanced emergency braking at highway speeds, were exclusive to the Enclave Avenir with the optional Avenir Technology Package. Buick did not offer lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking functions, or any Level 2 driver assistance technology, unlike some competitors.

Buick’s internal research might have indicated that its buyers didn’t prioritize these technologies, but their omission made the Enclave less competitive in safety, a critical factor for family-sized SUV buyers.

In crash tests, the Enclave performed well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it a five-star overall rating, though the frontal-impact protection scored four stars due to a four-star rating for the front passenger. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it highly overall, though a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from securing a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted with Active Driving Assist, a new hands-on driving-assistance system combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. Designed to offer drivers relaxation on extended highway trips, this advanced aid brought Jeep in line with competitors.

In practice, Active Driving Assist was competent but not perfect. The adaptive cruise control functioned well, while the steering assist sometimes felt artificial, making corrections the driver wouldn’t typically make. When changing lanes, the Jeep’s responsiveness was unexpectedly sharp, resulting in abrupt directional changes.

Jeep announced that for the 2022 model year, Active Driving Assist would evolve into a hands-free system similar to GM’s Super Cruise.

Another noteworthy safety feature was Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models. This technology detected threats from either side as the Jeep approached an intersection and could brake to avoid a potential collision. For instance, if a driver had a green light and another vehicle was about to run a red light, this system could intervene.

In addition to these advanced systems, the Grand Cherokee L offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, which steered the Jeep into parking spaces while the driver managed other controls.

As of the review’s publication, crash-test ratings for the Grand Cherokee L were unavailable. However, given the outdated structure and engineering flaws of the old Grand Cherokee, improvements were anticipated in the new model.