2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a significant recovery for the brand, which had struggled during the Malaise Era of automotive design and marketing. Once known for its big, shiny, and impressive vehicles, Buick found its footing again 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 pattern, 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 initially fussy but became intuitive with use.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the timeless cool of its predecessors while embracing modern design and technology. The new Defender featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, and flat-topped fenders with diamond-plate patterns. The spare tire mounted on the side-hinged tailgate and the short overhangs gave it a rugged, capable appearance. Inside, the Defender showcased an exposed structure theme with a dash held between horizontal beams, beefy controls, and a digital instrument panel. The leather seating was both tough and luxurious, and the center touchscreen interface was securely mounted. The interior materials felt authentic and high-quality, with real metal and leather surfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the Enclave's handling was impressive for its size. The test vehicle, priced at $57,090, included the Avenir Technology Package, which added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The suspension excelled in various driving conditions, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance. On-road, the Defender was quick, with the 2.0-liter model reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and the 3.0-liter model in 5.8 seconds. The Defender also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The test vehicle with the 3.0-liter powertrain provided a comfortable and capable driving experience both on and off-road.

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 driver’s seat with massaging function, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated leather seats. The center console provided comfortable storage options, and the triple-zone climate control ensured a pleasant cabin environment. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through the large rear doors and between the captain’s chairs. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered flexible seating options, including a jump seat between the front seats and an available third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. The Defender 110 provided 34-34.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row. The three-door Defender 90 offered 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 58.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

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, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as advanced as competitors. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for remote software updates. The Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The 3D surround-camera system offered multiple views, including a "transparent hood" view for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 14 speakers and 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was only available on the Avenir with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave high marks but did not award a Top Safety Pick due to Marginal headlight performance.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including front airbags, tire pressure monitoring, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, driver condition monitor, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its capability in harsh conditions.