2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. It was available in four trims: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. The Enclave's design was both impressive and elegant, 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 cabin was simple yet sophisticated, with a somewhat tricky electronic transmission shifter that became intuitive over time.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold front with a "double V-motion" design and thinner, longer headlights. The SR trim level came with LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights. At the rear, the Kicks sported a new bumper and LED taillights, giving it a proportionate and stylish look. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. The two-tone paint job option added an upmarket touch, with a floating roof design that seamlessly blended with the A-pillar. The Kicks SR trim included sporty features like LED accents, black heated mirrors, and a dark chrome grille. The interior was upgraded with higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR Premium Package offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching.

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 both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The Enclave's V6 engine delivered strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The SUV's ride was smooth, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's steering and brake response were well-calibrated, and it achieved an EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its power-to-weight ratio was well-suited for its size. The Kicks SR trim maintained stability on icy roads, and the CVT, though occasionally noisy, was typical for its class. The Kicks offered a fuel economy of 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined, with a range of 356 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. The cabin was designed for serenity, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious amenities such as 12-way power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage and a stylish center console. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, providing comfort comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, being a smaller SUV, made efficient use of its interior space. The cabin featured easy-to-reach controls, good small-item storage, and multiple USB ports. The climate controls were intuitive, and the SR trim included a heated steering wheel. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The Kicks also provided a tonneau cover for hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it fell short in areas like screen size and smart home integration. The Avenir trim's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as advanced as competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, but lacked features like Amazon Alexa integration and advanced audio components.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base model included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and keyless entry. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with speakers in the headrests. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but its headlight performance was rated Marginal.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks featured 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received Good marks from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.