2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to a time when Buicks were known for their grandiosity and presence. After a period of decline during the Malaise Era, Buick managed to find a foothold in the market largely due to its popularity in China, surviving the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy as one of the four remaining brands. Transitioning to rebadged GM vehicles from various global manufacturing hubs, Buick reestablished itself, offering diverse models like the Cascada convertible and the luxury LaCrosse sedan. However, the Enclave became a crucial model for the brand, representing both Buick's storied past and modern consumer demands for SUVs.

By 2021, the Enclave stood out as Buick’s largest SUV, positioned alongside smaller models like the Encore and Envision. Available in trims like Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir, the Enclave ranged from just over $41,000 to almost $55,000. It offered competition to more expensive mainstream three-row SUVs and lower-tier luxury models.

Visually, the Enclave maintained a premium aesthetic, particularly in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille pattern, additional brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the upscale theme continued with organic forms, minimalist controls, and tasteful polished accents. The choice of materials, such as soft leather and embroidered surfaces, enhanced its luxury appeal, though the wood trim was not genuine. An overall sense of simplicity pervaded the interior, disrupted only by the slightly complex electronic transmission shifter, which users could quickly adapt to.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, maintained a design that had aged remarkably well since its fourth generation debuted over a decade ago. With a blend of rugged utility and upscale sophistication, its appearance remained emblematic of what an SUV should be, especially when compared to non-Jeep models.

Contributing to the Grand Cherokee's enduring success was its ability to straddle multiple categories—mainstream, luxury, and performance. The trim lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit and the off-road-capable Trailhawk. For 2021, the lineup saw slight updates and the introduction of the Laredo X and 80th Anniversary Edition variants, with prices ranging from around $35,000 to almost $90,000.

Our test model was the Summit trim, featuring a 5.7-liter V8 engine, 4WD, and extensive cosmetic and functional enhancements under the Platinum Series Group and Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. The exterior updates of the Platinum Series Group provided an added layer of class without excessive flash. Inside, the Summit’s interior featured premium elements like genuine wood, real aluminum, and simulated suede, with a color scheme that added a sharp and distinctive flair. While the interior exuded luxury, aging elements like old-school switchgear and inconsistent panel fits indicated the need for an update.

Performance in the 2021 Buick Enclave was straightforward, with all models powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and offering either FWD or AWD options. The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at an impressively low 2,800 rpm. This facilitated strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and timely shifts, contributing to an overall driving experience that belied the Enclave’s substantial size. Our FWD test model, priced at $57,090, demonstrated commendable performance, albeit with occasional traction challenges.

The optional Avenir Technology Package was noteworthy for its premium suspension and advanced safety features, further enhancing driving comfort and security. The premium-tuned suspension proved its prowess across a variety of driving conditions, from residential speed humps to steep canyon roads and uneven urban pavements. Fuel economy was competitive, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test loop yielded 21.2 mpg, translating to a potential range of about 460 miles on a full tank.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a baseline 3.6-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration supported both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, paired with Quadra-Trac II 4WD, offered 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, along with an industry-leading towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

The V8's cylinder deactivation "Fuel Saver" technology aimed to improve efficiency, although it was still rated at 17 mpg in combined driving. Our test loop recorded 18.2 mpg. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road performance, thanks to features like Quadra-Trac II, hill-descent control, Selec-Terrain traction management, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension offering 4.1 inches of variability.

The Summit trim exhibited robust performance on both daily commutes and rugged terrains, facilitated by a responsive V8, effective braking, and practical steering efforts. However, its fuel economy and occasional bounciness due to the air suspension were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave boasted significant size advantages, being one of the largest SUVs in its class. With broad dimensions and ample space for six to seven passengers, it offered notable comfort and quietness, bolstered by Buick’s QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. High-end features in the Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather upholstery, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel.

The Enclave’s center console provided practical storage, covered cupholders, and a stylish, padded design. Standard seating configurations included second-row captain’s chairs and a three-passenger third-row bench, with heated second-row seats in the Avenir. The expansive rear doors and captain’s chair layout facilitated easy entry and exit, and the third-row offered competitive space.

Cargo capacity was another strong point, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit’s interior featured a blend of luxury and practicality, with flat and supportive seats wrapped in high-quality leather from the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package. Front seats provided eight-way power adjustment and were both heated and ventilated, though the controls were integrated into the infotainment system, arguably adding complexity. Rear seating offered adequate, but not generous, legroom and optional entertainment systems that could feel confining. Fortunately, large windows, a panoramic sunroof, and light-colored upholstery helped alleviate this issue.

Cargo space in the Grand Cherokee was less impressive, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Practical features included a recessed bin, under-floor storage around the spare tire, and well-positioned lighting and controls.

In terms of technology, the 2021 Buick Enclave had room for improvement to better compete in the premium SUV segment. While the existing Buick Infotainment System was functional, with quick response times and user-friendly interfaces, it lacked in key areas such as screen size, smart home integration, and high-end audio.

Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB ports across all rows. Additionally, upgrades to a premium sound system, navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system were available. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest offered, and the sound system didn’t match the competition. One notable feature was the rear camera mirror, which provided a live video feed for better rear visibility.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Uconnect 4C with Nav system was highly regarded, offering a nearly flawless user experience, quick response times, and intuitive controls. Features included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and integration with Amazon Alexa.

The Grand Cherokee also benefitted from five years of free SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link services, along with a year of free SiriusXM Guardian services, which included remote access and emergency features. The voice recognition system worked impressively well, and the Summit trim featured a powerful 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee’s tech offerings were robust, effectively balancing analog simplicity with essential digital features.

Safety was a critical area where the 2021 Buick Enclave needed improvement. While its systems were effective, crucial features were only available on higher trims. Basic safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Essence trim, and more advanced features were limited to the Premium and Avenir trims via the Driver Confidence Plus Package.

This package included essential safety technologies like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and parking sensors. Advanced features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking required the optional Avenir Technology Package. Notably, the Enclave lacked lane-centering, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technologies. Nonetheless, it received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had a four-star rating for frontal impacts.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s safety ratings were a mixed bag. While it earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA with 4WD, the IIHS gave it lower ratings for small-overlap frontal impacts, particularly on the front passenger side. Additionally, its headlights rated poorly unless upgraded to high-intensity discharge versions.

The Summit trim included extensive safety features through the ProTech II Package, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and parking assistance systems. These features were well-integrated, with intuitive controls and effective performance.