2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

Cadillacs once symbolized ultimate refinement within the General Motors lineup. That reputation waned over time, but with the XT5’s release, Cadillac had made strides to reclaim its former glory. The 2021 XT5 reflected this shift, having received 40 upgrades for the 2020 model year including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology. The result? A sleeker, more snub-nosed exterior, and distinct trim levels packed with an array of features. The 2021 XT5 continued to embody these changes.

The XT5 boasted standard LED lights that beautifully accentuated its hefty proportions, both in the front and rear. The slimline details complemented its 20-inch wheels, providing a robust yet refined aesthetic. Inside, it aimed for luxury, but opinions varied. While its leather seating and natural material accents displayed a sense of sophistication, the overall interior didn’t reach the chic confines of the Escalade. Still, it surpassed many of its GM counterparts, such as the Chevrolet Blazer.

Its interior design was characterized by sweeping horizontal lines and straightforward materials. The Premium Luxury trim level was particularly notable for its cut-and-sewn leather and natural wood or carbon fiber accents, making it a beacon of elegance in Cadillac's lineup, short of the Escalade.

Buick, in contrast, had its ups and downs over the decades. It struggled during the Malaise Era, only to find new life due to its popularity in China. By 2021, Buick was focused on SUVs like the Enclave, the largest of its four SUV models. It encapsulated Buick’s heritage of grandeur while meeting contemporary consumer preferences.

The 2021 Enclave, available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, was styled to compete with higher-priced SUVs. The Avenir trim amplified its grandeur with a unique grille, additional brightwork, and 20-inch polished wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured an elegant, minimalist design adorned with soft, perforated, and embroidered leather. Polished accents and a slightly faux wood finish completed the look. A notable design flaw was the somewhat complicated electronic transmission shifter, but it was something drivers quickly adapted to.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in three trims: Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport. The Luxury and Premium Luxury variants offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could upgrade the Premium Luxury trim to a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which boasted 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. The XT5 Sport came standard with the V6 engine. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the V6 provided immediate throttle response, the transmission felt smoother when upshifting but somewhat clunky when downshifting.

In Sport mode, shifts were jittery both up and down. Fuel economy ranged from 21 to 25 mpg for the V6-equipped AWD version, outperforming the EPA’s combined estimation of 21 mpg. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD. The XT5's performance metrics were comparable to its rivals, balancing power and efficiency effectively.

Conversely, the Buick Enclave featured a straightforward powertrain across all trims—a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both FWD and AWD. This V6 generated 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with impressive low-end torque at 2,800 rpm. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Our FWD test vehicle showcased strong acceleration and effortless driving dynamics, mimicking a smaller SUV despite its size.

Our $57,090 Enclave Avenir test vehicle included the Avenir Technology Package, which incorporated a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The suspension excelled across a range of conditions, from residential streets to highways. Steering effort and brake response were well-executed, though a quicker steering response could have been an improvement. The Enclave averaged 21.2 mpg, aligning closely with its EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and offered a considerable driving range on a full tank.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was spacious enough for four adults, though it technically seated five with a three-seat bench in the second row. However, back seat headroom was lacking for taller passengers, while legroom was ample in both rows. The front seats, though initially luxurious, revealed discomfort on long drives due to their hard bottom cushions. Heated front seats were standard, and climate-controlled seats activated automatically according to the interior temperature.

Cargo space in the XT5 was moderate at 30 cubic feet, less than rivals like the Nissan Murano and Lincoln Nautilus but enhanced by a deep rear cargo area. Unfortunately, wheel bump-outs reduced the width, limiting functionality. The cargo-management system allowed for secure containment of items, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate added convenience. Small-item storage was quite limited, with insufficient areas for smartphones and other essentials.

The Buick Enclave, being one of the largest SUVs in its class, offered ample room for six or seven adults and was commended for its quiet and comfortable interior. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with massaging functions, and 10-way power adjustments for front passengers. The seats were heated, ventilated, and upholstered in soft leather. The interior, though plush, could have benefited from more authentic materials.

The Enclave’s center console provided versatile storage, and its generous dimensions allowed for a usable third-row seat, accessible via large rear doors. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and an impressive 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down, far surpassing the XT5 in cargo capacity.

The Cadillac XT5 had streamlined its infotainment system with a centralized, elegant design. The standard 8-inch infotainment screen incorporated functionalities previously spread across the dashboard. Climate controls housed within Piano Black plastic offered haptic feedback. Climate adjustments were made via chrome toggle switches, though temperatures ran cooler than displayed.

The XT5 offered a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The infotainment system featured a rotary controller, enhancing functionality but crowding the screen’s aesthetic. Standard tech included one-touch phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an eight-speaker Bose system, AUX port, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. Upgrades included a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series system, and a head-up display (HUD). A rear camera mirror was available, providing a clear view during night drives but proving distracting during the day.

Buick’s infotainment system in the Enclave met basic expectations but lacked the advancements needed to compete in the premium segment. The system was responsive and user-friendly, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB ports in all three rows. Teen Driver monitoring, premium sound, navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera system were optional.

The Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, lacking integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The 10-speaker Bose sound system underperformed compared to rivals’ offerings. Short free trial periods for connected services were another drawback. However, the available rear camera mirror offered a useful live video feed, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5's safety features offered a balanced level of protection without overwhelming drivers. Standard systems included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime driving by detecting large wildlife and hazards clearly before traditional headlights would. Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features for young drivers. These safety features provided sufficient protection and convenience.

The Buick Enclave needed enhancements in its safety systems, as it limited essential features to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert required an upgrade to the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard only on Premium and Avenir trims, offered forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and high-speed automatic emergency braking were restricted to the Avenir Technology Package. GM’s advanced Super Cruise system wasn’t available. Despite these limitations, the Enclave received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it missed the Top Safety Pick accolade due to Marginal headlight performance.