2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material quality was excellent, with leather and wood trim available. The gauge cluster featured a familiar four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to newer models. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX's interior remained functional and comfortable, albeit with limited small-item storage.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. 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, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with soft, perforated leather seats and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine.

The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's spacious interior comfortably accommodated six people, with a genuinely useful third-row seat and ample cargo space. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with the powertrain becoming noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX's adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Enclave's acceleration was strong. The FWD model could momentarily spin the tires before traction control intervened. The Enclave's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The suspension performed well across various driving conditions, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The Enclave's steering and brake response were satisfactory, though quicker steering response would be beneficial. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 21.2 mpg, allowing for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was stylish and comfortable, with ample room for front and rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering a spacious and quiet cabin for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with a basic massaging function, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's center console provided ample storage, and the second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench seat were comfortable and accessible. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but lacked advanced features. The 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. The rear camera mirror provided a live video feed of what was behind the Enclave. However, the Enclave lacked integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels. 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, 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 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.