2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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. After surviving the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, however, stood out as a large, American-made SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured unique design elements and upscale materials. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a sleek and premium appearance, competing with both mainstream and luxury three-row SUVs.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, in its second generation since 2014, continued to impress with its luxurious design and off-road capabilities. The 2018 refresh introduced a dual-screen center console, enhancing the interior's modern feel. Available in various trims, the Range Rover Sport offered a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a supercharged V8. The interior was lavishly appointed, with options for high-end features like 22-way power-adjustable seats and a refrigerated center console. The SVR and SVR Carbon Edition trims catered to performance enthusiasts with powerful engines and sport-tuned suspensions, making the Range Rover Sport a versatile choice for both luxury and performance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine across all trims, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. With a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, the Enclave was capable of handling various towing needs. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the driving experience with a premium-tuned suspension and advanced safety features. 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 Range Rover Sport offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base P360 mild-hybrid powertrain delivered 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, while the P400 variant increased output to 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid P400e combined a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with electric assist, producing 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims generated 518 horsepower, while the SVR and SVR Carbon Edition boasted 575 horsepower. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 pounds (except the SVR, which towed 6,613 pounds). The Range Rover Sport excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its height-adjustable air suspension and Terrain Response system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim provided luxurious seating with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated leather seats. The Enclave's spaciousness extended to its cargo area, with 23.6 cubic feet 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 Range Rover Sport offered a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 31.7 cubic feet with the second row in use. An optional third row increased seating capacity to seven, though the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The first and second rows provided generous headroom and legroom, complemented by high-quality materials and finishes.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in screen size and smart home integration. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was less impressive compared to competitors. A notable feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a dual-screen center console, with the lower screen handling climate controls and vehicle settings, and the upper screen dedicated to infotainment. While the system had a learning curve, it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The system's dials allowed for versatile control of various functions, though the overall interface could be more intuitive.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with essential systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available only on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came with standard driver assistance features such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were optional. The Range Rover Sport also offered a surround-view parking camera and a head-up display for enhanced safety.