2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to Ford's iconic off-roader heritage, offering a modern retro aesthetic that appealed to both urban and adventure-seeking drivers. Its design featured a short front overhang for optimal approach angles and a rugged, trail-ready body with minimal adornments to avoid snags. The Bronco Sport's bold styling was complemented by its distinctive "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle "SPORT" postscript. The interior was rugged yet refined, with a focus on functionality and convenience, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor for easy cleaning.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's return to its roots of producing large, impressive vehicles. The Enclave was the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior with a minimalist design. The Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with unique grille patterns and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured soft, perforated leather seats with heating and ventilation, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, and a stylish center console. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass to ensure a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, catering to different driving needs. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Badlands and First Edition trims featured a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes for various terrains. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine across all trims, generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and its low torque peak contributed to a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium ride with continuously variable damping, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active lifestyles in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space capable of holding two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the Bronco Sport's towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 2,200 pounds, depending on the engine. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in providing spacious and comfortable accommodations for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim offered luxurious seating with power adjustments and massage functions for the front seats. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and triple-zone climate control. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, and the Enclave offered impressive cargo space, with up to 97.6 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford+Alexa compatibility. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included multiple drive modes, and trail control technology was available for off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all but the Base model.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. However, it lacked advanced features like Amazon Alexa integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered a 10-speaker Bose sound system, but it fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave did offer a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. However, crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were more limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert only available on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. IIHS ratings were high, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.