2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, with pricing ranging from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000, including the $1,195 destination charge. Competing with higher-priced three-row SUVs from mainstream brands and lower-priced versions of luxury models, the Enclave had the looks to take on premium-priced SUVs. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and unique 20-inch wheels with a polished finish. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation and controls, and tasteful polished accents. The soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather imparted a sense of luxury, though the wood was not real. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its fussy electronic transmission shifter, which was easy to get used to.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. The brakes, however, did not withstand heavy use well, showing signs of fade during testing in a heatwave.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The V6 generated 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The test vehicle, priced at $57,090, included the Avenir Technology Package, which added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The suspension performed well across various driving conditions, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The Enclave's steering and brake pedal response were satisfactory, though quicker steering response would be beneficial. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.2 mpg during testing, with a potential range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers did not complain. Storage space was excellent, though the Elite's wireless smartphone charger took up some room on the center console. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

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 a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, and a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with matching massage. The seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The center console provided ample storage, and the second-row captain's chairs and three-person third-row bench seat offered comfortable seating. The third-row seat was spacious, with easy access through the large rear doors. 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 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying free trial periods. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response, good voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with 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 Enclave lacked smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The rear camera mirror, which showed a live video view of what was behind the Enclave, was a neat feature.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including a new radar unit and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with the EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings were expected to carry over, with improvements for the headlights.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems worked well but were limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated it highly, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.