2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The redesigned 2021 GMC Yukon came across as the epitome of rugged yet refined utility, consistent with GMC's dual branding as “professional grade” but also a “premium grade.” This full-size SUV, available in standard and extended-length body styles, offered SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims, with prices starting from as low as $50,700. With the new AT4 trim designed for off-road adventuring and the upscale Denali trim capturing half of the Yukon sales, GMC managed to balance substance with sophistication.

Stu Pierce, GMC’s senior marketing manager, highlighted that Yukon buyers preferred top-notch SUVs without paying extra for a luxury badge. This approach justified the 200-mile drive with the Denali, which, despite its steep as-tested price of $83,720, offered a compelling package. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its massive, intricately styled grille, Midnight Blue paint, and shiny 22-inch wheels, exuded a more upscale presence compared to an equivalent Chevrolet Tahoe High Country. However, the high cost of optional appearance upgrades raised questions about value.

The Denali differentiated itself further with an exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, leather-wrapped panels, and unique interior stitching, all contributing to an upscale cabin unseen in other SUVs except a Yukon Denali.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave conjured memories of Buick’s glory days, now embodied in an SUV that tied the brand to its illustrious past while meeting modern consumer preferences. Falling under four trims—Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir—the Enclave's pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000. Competing with higher-priced three-row SUVs, it boasted a commanding presence with unique grille patterns and polished 20-inch wheels on the Avenir trim.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir showcased a minimalist yet classy interior with soft, perforated leather but lacked genuine wood accents. The design leaned heavily towards simplicity, marred only by the quirky electronic transmission shifter. Despite this, the clean and uncluttered cabin reflected a clear focus on comfort and usability.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, with the 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 being standard for all but the Denali trim. The Denali exclusively featured a robust 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, delivering 460 lb-ft of torque and paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission for seamless power delivery. However, fuel efficiency suffered, with the test vehicle averaging just 14.4 mpg on a mixed loop and 16.2 mpg on a shorter drive. The EPA rated it at 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined, inferior to its predecessor.

The new independent rear suspension and Four-Corner Air Ride option improved ride quality and handling, albeit somewhat compromised by the 22-inch wheels’ feedback on road irregularities. The Active Response 4WD system enhanced cornering and traction, although the Yukon’s ride did not ensure complete driving pleasure. Tow rating maxed out at 8,400 pounds with 2WD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, slightly undercutting its forerunner and competitors like the Ford Expedition.

The Buick Enclave, on the other hand, kept things simpler with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave’s V6 allowed sprightly acceleration, making it feel agile despite its size. The FWD setup proved capable, though it easily spun the tires before traction control intervened.

Our $57,090 test vehicle featured the Avenir Technology Package, which notably enhanced the ride with a premium-tuned suspension and continuously variable damping. This Buick demonstrated its prowess across varied driving conditions, averaging an impressive 21.2 mpg during a 140-mile loop, translating to a possible 460-mile travel range on a full tank.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from its new independent rear suspension, significantly improving passenger and cargo space. While front-seat room stayed similar, Denali’s front seats, although heated and ventilated, grew uncomfortable over long drives without any massage function. The second row offered sliding, flat-folding seats for better comfort and cargo capacity, with a power release function for easier third-row access.

In the new Yukon, third-row passengers enjoyed proper thigh support and adequate legroom, transforming the once-cramped area into a viable seating option for adults. Cargo volume improved substantially, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row (41.5 in the Denali XL), 72.6 cubic feet with the third row folded (93.8 for Denali XL), and a maximum of 122.9 cubic feet (144.7 Denali XL) with all seats down, rivaling minivan capacities.

The Buick Enclave held its ground as one of the largest in its class, accommodating six (seven if needed) comfortably. The Avenir trim offered a serene cabin environment with Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat provided lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the 10-way front passenger seat matched the comfort levels.

The Enclave’s center console design focused on style and practicality, featuring storage areas under the shifter and beneath the center armrest. While the second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort, entry to the third-row seat was facilitated by the Enclave’s wide rear doors. Although not as spacious as a Volkswagen Atlas, the third-row seat ranked favorably against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade.

Cargo space was commendable, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with it folded, and maxing out at 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

In the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, technology played a pivotal role. Standard across all trims, the 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and available 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The continuous over-the-air updates ensured that the system stayed current.

Upgrades included wireless charging, navigation, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a Rear Seat Media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens, though it lacked a DVD player. The Yukon offered a 15-inch color head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and surround-view cameras enhancing its maneuverability, complemented by standard front and rear parking sensors.

Conversely, the Buick Enclave’s technology felt dated despite meeting essential requirements. The Buick Infotainment System responded quickly, with a user-friendly interface, but lacked advanced features like larger screens, smart home assistant integration, and high-end audio components. With Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and USB ports in all three rows, the Enclave’s tech package was sufficient but not impressive.

Notably, the Avenir’s largest screen was just 8 inches, and its 10-speaker Bose sound system did not compare well against competitors. Short trial periods for Buick’s connected services reduced overall appeal. One highlight was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

In the 2021 GMC Yukon, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) took center stage. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking (below 50 mph), and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting from the SLT trim, additional features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance were standard. The Denali added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking.

The smooth operation of the adaptive cruise and lane assistance technologies during long drives underscored the Yukon’s advanced safety integration. Although crash-test ratings were unavailable during the review, the SUV’s substantial weight implied robust protection.

The 2021 Buick Enclave lagged behind in the safety domain, restricting several standard features on mainstream models to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert started on the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard only on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors.

Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were exclusive to the Avenir trim’s optional package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and advanced driving assistance technologies like GM’s Super Cruise.

Despite these limitations, the Enclave performed well in crash tests, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, marred only by a Marginal headlight performance rating.