2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, harking back to its glory days with its impressive size and design. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its elegant design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known with its unique sound and appearance. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the Wrangler was nearly indistinguishable from its gasoline counterpart, save for a few blue accents and a power port. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation when running on electric power turned heads, especially in scenic locations like Yosemite National Park. The Rubicon trim, with its bright Firecracker Red paint and extensive options, showcased the Wrangler's rugged charm. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its classic, utilitarian design, with some modern touches like blue seat stitching and special gauges for the PHEV powertrain. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe offered a comfortable ride, though it lacked the luxury and refinement of more upscale SUVs.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride was smooth and comfortable, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially with the Avenir Technology Package. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, on the other hand, combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup produced a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Wrangler 4xe to reach 60 mph in six seconds. The PHEV offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, providing flexibility for different driving situations. The Wrangler 4xe's electric-only range was estimated at 21 miles, with a combined fuel economy of 49 MPGe. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg over a 757-mile journey, with 120.9 miles driven on electricity.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The interior was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats with massage functions, as well as a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 97.6 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was more utilitarian, with high door sills and narrow rear doors. The driving position was classic Wrangler, offering a clear view over the hood. While the front seats were comfortable, storage space was limited due to the center console's design. Rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. Cargo space was somewhat limited, with 27.7 cubic feet available behind the back seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than those in some competitors, and the sound system was not as advanced. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler 4xe also included helpful features like charging indicator lights and a Trip Summary data panel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered several safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, but adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights were rated Marginal by the IIHS, and the SUV received a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA. However, the Wrangler's small-overlap frontal-impact protection was rated Marginal, with the vehicle tipping over in some tests.