2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, showcasing a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a sophisticated two-box design with short overhangs, an upright grille adorned with Volvo's iron mark logo, and distinctive Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were meticulously executed, complemented by stylish alloy wheels. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded a Scandinavian aesthetic with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a notable feature, and the attention to detail, such as the elegant HVAC vents, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past glory while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave offered a commanding presence, especially in the Avenir trim with its unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather seats. The cabin was spacious, accommodating up to seven passengers, with features like a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained a quiet and comfortable ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning efforts and laminated glass.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models delivered 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, available in both FWD and AWD. The T6 models, with a turbocharger and supercharger, produced 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, exclusively in AWD. The T8 models, as plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, achieving 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further enhanced performance to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring ensured agile handling, while the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy varied, with the T5 FWD achieving 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway, and the T8 PHEV offering 27 mpg combined and 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both FWD and AWD, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The V6's low torque peak contributed to its performance, and the nine-speed automatic provided seamless shifts. The Enclave's ride was enhanced by the Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The suspension excelled across various driving conditions, and the Enclave's steering and brake response were well-calibrated. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg combined, with a potential range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and practicality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system adept at handling cold climates. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly even in winter conditions. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, as one of the largest SUVs in its class, provided ample space for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious seating with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The cabin was designed for comfort, with a stylish center console and triple-zone climate control. The Enclave's third-row seat was notably spacious, and the vehicle offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style interface with a portrait orientation, offering intuitive controls for those familiar with touchscreen gestures. It included smartphone integration, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo On Call app for remote functions. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response and logical interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller compared to competitors, and the Bose sound system was less impressive. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's safety legacy, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision mitigation, lane-keeping aid, and Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving. Volvo's commitment to safety was further highlighted by the XC60's speed restriction to 112 mph.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were more limited, with advanced systems reserved for higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included essential safety technologies. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it lacked some advanced driver assistance features found in competitors.