2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the brand, which had struggled during the Malaise Era of automotive design. Once a symbol of American luxury, Buick had to reinvent itself to survive, especially after the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy. The Enclave, a large and impressive SUV, helped Buick reconnect with its past glory while meeting modern consumer demands for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a range of trims from Preferred to Avenir, with prices starting just over $41,000. The Enclave's design was sophisticated, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler, particularly the Unlimited model, maintained its iconic status with its timeless design. Recognizable by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts, the Wrangler was unmistakable on the road. It offered various configurations, including painted or exposed fenders and soft or hard tops, but always retained its core rugged elements. The Wrangler was not known for comfort, with upright seating and limited legroom, but for many, this added to its charm. Available trims included the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with special editions like the Willys and High Altitude. The Sport trim was basic, while the Sport S added some modern conveniences. The Sahara was more street-oriented, and the Rubicon was ideal for off-road enthusiasts, featuring enhanced suspension and running gear. The Rubicon 392, with its Hemi V8, stood out for its power and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. The SUV could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. During testing, the Enclave demonstrated excellent ride and handling, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The Enclave achieved an average fuel economy of 21.2 mpg, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems included Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catering to different off-road needs. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse. The 392 also included a 2-inch lift, Fox shock absorbers, and a dual-mode performance exhaust.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities, including power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The SUV provided 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, allowing for easy open-air driving. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with cargo nets and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit the space for larger items.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like larger screens and smart home integration. The Avenir trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, and a rear camera mirror. The Enclave's technology offerings were considered basic compared to competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim, with the Sport featuring a basic 5-inch screen. The Sport S and higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera. The Wrangler's technology was functional and intuitive, with radio toggles on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with basic features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on the Essence trim. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading. The Wrangler's safety features were considered basic compared to modern standards.