2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. The interior, however, remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places and a touchscreen framed by a chrome strip that could reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trims, from the base LS with standard infotainment and 18-inch wheels to the luxurious High Country, which included features like adaptive air suspension and a panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUVs, offering a luxurious Avenir trim with unique grille patterns, polished 20-inch wheels, and a refined interior with soft leather and polished accents. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a minimalist and elegant interior design, though it lacked real wood trim. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but overall, the Enclave provided a comfortable and serene driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a standard 5.3-liter V8 engine producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 was also available, delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban could tow up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. Our test vehicle featured the new Duramax turbodiesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six generating 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making the Suburban capable of seating seven or eight people while offering truck-like capability. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though the Suburban still exhibited some truck-like handling characteristics.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine across all trims, producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Our test vehicle, equipped with front-wheel drive, demonstrated easy tire spin before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the Enclave's ride and handling. The suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride across various driving conditions, and the Enclave achieved an average fuel economy of 21.2 mpg.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban boasted massive cargo space, with 144.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, it offered 93.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, and the control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks. However, the button shifter design and power-sliding center console were less intuitive and added complexity.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy and comfortable seating for six or seven people. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage, and 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with matching massage. The seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors and between the captain's chairs. Cargo space measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available navigation system. The rear entertainment system with large touchscreens and the head-up display were also available options.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim included a 10-speaker Bose sound system, but it was not as impressive as other SUVs in the segment. The rear camera mirror was a neat feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique features included the rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to alert the driver.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. 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, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.