2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Buick Enclave

When the 2021 Subaru Ascent was introduced, it filled a significant gap in Subaru's lineup, offering a three-row SUV that the brand had previously attempted with the less successful Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models like the Forester and Outback, creating a familiar yet larger vehicle. Inside, the cabin mirrored other Subaru models, likely to create a sense of continuity for buyers. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each adding more features and luxury as you moved up the range.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a return to form for Buick, offering a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to the brand's glory days. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs and was available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appeal. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with high-quality materials, although the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, although the electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's ride focused on comfort, handling corners well and absorbing road bumps effectively. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent was well-suited for snowy conditions and light off-roading. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and included Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, enhancing the ride quality. The Enclave was rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds and achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It came standard with a power liftgate but lacked a hands-free option. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with the option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was better suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave could seat seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was easy through the large rear doors.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with logical menus and large icons. It came with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports. Available tech features included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and USB ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Enclave lacked features like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was not as impressive as competitors' offerings. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ thanks to its crash test results and Subaru’s EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerted the driver when the vehicle in front had moved. The Ascent also offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Buick Enclave needed improvement in its safety systems, as many features were restricted to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, but its Marginal headlight performance prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.