2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined a robust lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without reading the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, a large and impressive SUV, harkened back to Buick's glory days while addressing modern consumer preferences for SUVs. Buick, having survived the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy, found its footing with globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, stood out with its impressive looks, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir exuded luxury with organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation, and tasteful polished accents. The soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats added to the sense of luxury, although the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its fussy electronic transmission shifter, which became intuitive with use.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Enclave's V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth shifts. The Enclave's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Avenir Technology Package, available on the Avenir trim, included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's suspension provided a comfortable ride across various driving environments, and the steering and brake response were well-tuned. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row GLB models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row was suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front row offered comfortable, highly adjustable seats with available heating and ventilation, while the second row was comfortable for two adults.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six people (seven if needed). The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat was 10-way power-adjustable with matching massage. Both seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The Enclave's center console provided storage and comfort, with a cover to hide the cupholders when not in use. The Enclave offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The third row was spacious and easy to access, with commendable room behind it, measuring 23.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row down provided 58 cubic feet of space, and the maximum cargo capacity was 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. The GLB included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with an optional upgrade to 10.25 inches each in the Premium Package. Standard features included a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, and a power liftgate. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. The GLB also offered advanced options like adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. The system responded quickly to inputs, had good voice recognition, and featured a simple and logical user interface. Standard features 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. The Enclave also offered a Teen Driver function, a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen display was the largest available, and the Enclave lacked integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was also less impressive compared to other SUVs in the segment. The Enclave did offer a rear camera mirror, which provided a live video view of what was behind the SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a range of standard safety technologies, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex in the human ear, helping to reduce hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.

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 from the Essence trim. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The package also featured a Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available only on the Avenir trim 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, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave high marks across the board, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.