2021 Buick Envision vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Envision underwent a significant redesign after two consecutive years of facelifts. This two-row compact crossover, positioned between the smaller Encore GX and the larger Enclave, was sold in China and North America. The 2021 Envision was lower and wider than its predecessor, boasting a more planted appearance on the street. Its premium crossover styling was more sculpted than its cousin, the Cadillac XT4, but not as sleek as the Acura RDX. The Envision came in three trims: Preferred, Essence, and Avenir, with the Avenir trim making its debut in this model year. The Avenir trim added premium exterior elements like a Black Ice Chrome mesh grille and 20-inch Avenir-specific pearl nickel wheels, while the interior featured leather-appointed seating with diamond perforated leather inserts and a head-up display (HUD).

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable ride for six to seven passengers. The Enclave's Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, soft leather seats, and tasteful polished accents. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, except for the fussy electronic transmission shifter. Despite this, the Enclave's interior was luxurious, with heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a stylish center console.

The 2021 Buick Envision featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This was a downgrade from the previous model's 252 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite shedding 200 to 300 pounds, the Envision's performance was more about comfortable cruising than sporty driving. The Envision offered front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. Fuel efficiency improved, with the FWD model achieving 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. AWD models fared slightly worse at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. However, engine and road noise permeated the cabin, detracting from its premium feel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6's low torque peak at 2,800 rpm provided strong acceleration, and the Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with our test vehicle averaging 21.2 mpg. The Enclave's large fuel tank allowed for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Buick Envision's redesign did not translate to a more functional cabin. Despite a longer wheelbase, the Envision had less headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in the front row, and rear-seat passengers lost two inches of legroom and nearly six inches of hip room. Cargo capacity also decreased, with 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 53.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric cockpit made it difficult for the front passenger to access climate controls and the infotainment screen. However, the Envision offered standard heated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space and comfort. It offered roomy seating for six to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through the large rear doors. Cargo space was commendable, 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 Enclave's interior featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a stylish center console with ample storage.

The 2021 Buick Envision's technology was functional but not revolutionary. It featured a standard 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, responsive to touch, and an available 8.0-inch driver information display. Standard features included USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Available features included navigation, driver massage, HD Radio, surround-view camera, HUD, a rearview camera mirror, and wireless device charging.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment technology met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, 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 Enclave lacked smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The available rear camera mirror provided a live video view of what was behind the Enclave, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Buick Envision had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included a following distance indicator, forward-collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, automatic emergency braking, and teen-driver monitoring. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic park assist were available on Avenir models. However, the Envision lacked GM's Super Cruise hands-free advanced driver assist system and lane-centering technology.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems worked well but were limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available on the Avenir trim with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS rated it highly, except for a Marginal headlight performance rating.