2021 Chevrolet Trax vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced for the 2015 model year, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim level was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, among other features.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, impressive SUV that helped Buick recover from past design and marketing mistakes. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave ranged from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. The Avenir trim added a unique grille, extra brightwork, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with soft, perforated leather seats and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but easy to get used to.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax had a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine sufficed for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, harsh over potholes, but offered solid maneuverability in tight spaces. Rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 provided more comfortable and fun driving experiences.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts, and the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping in the Avenir trim delivered an exceptional ride. The Enclave averaged 21.2 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, though the rear seats lacked bolstering for long-distance comfort. The front seats were supportive, and the Trax featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for larger items, but there was no option for a power liftgate.

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 included 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seats with lumbar support and massage, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave featured a stylish center console with ample storage and a cover for the cupholders. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, with 23.6 cubic feet of space behind it, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and hard buttons and dials. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, good voice recognition, and a simple user interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, 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 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the Bose sound system was not as impressive as competitors' offerings.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included airbags and a backup camera, with the LT Convenience Package adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, many advanced safety features were unavailable.

The 2021 Buick Enclave also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave high marks across the board, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade. Advanced safety features were restricted to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available only on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were exclusive to the Avenir trim with the optional Avenir Technology Package.