2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV was designed to blend seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts. Aside from a subtle “P400e” badge on the tailgate, it featured no gratuitous styling changes or aerodynamic trickery. The charging port was cleverly integrated into the grille, making it nearly invisible unless pointed out. This approach was appreciated by many, as it maintained the vehicle's aesthetic appeal without unnecessary details. The Range Rover Sport PHEV started at $79,000, including HSE trim, with options pushing the price up to $93,200. The test vehicle's Firenze Red paint, black roof, and 21-inch aluminum wheels added to its striking presence. Inside, the cabin was adorned with high-quality materials, reflecting the vehicle's premium price tag.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable ride for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft, perforated leather seats. The wood trim, however, was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, though the electronic transmission shifter required some acclimation.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 141-hp electric motor and a 13-kWh battery, producing a total of 398 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Land Rover claimed an all-electric driving range of up to 31 miles, but real-world testing revealed inconsistencies. The gas engine often engaged unexpectedly, and the drivetrain sometimes seemed confused. Despite these issues, the Range Rover Sport PHEV averaged 25.5 mpg on a 60-mile loop, a notable improvement over previous models. The SUV's adaptive air suspension and various driving modes provided a comfortable and athletic driving experience, though the regenerative brakes were somewhat grabby. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with the ability to ford 33.4 inches of water. Recharging the battery took up to 14 hours using a standard household outlet, but the battery often failed to reach full capacity.

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 front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD, demonstrated easy tire spin before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and highway-speed automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive across various driving conditions, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world average of 21.2 mpg.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV's cargo space was compromised by the battery placement, reducing the available space to 27.5 cubic feet. The raised cargo floor also made it difficult to secure items. However, the SUV comfortably accommodated five passengers, with excellent front-seat comfort and a tall riding position for rear-seat passengers. The optional 4-zone automatic climate control and panoramic glass roof added to the interior's appeal.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering room for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The 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, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport's InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was complex and sometimes frustrating to use. Despite spending time setting up the system, the touchscreen often behaved unpredictably, and the lack of haptic feedback added to the challenge. The SUV's advanced technology required a tech-savvy driver to avoid frustration.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. The 8-inch touchscreen was responsive, and the user interface was simple and logical. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave lacked integration with smart home digital assistants and offered a less impressive 10-speaker Bose sound system. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), but the technology could be distracting. The new steering-assist system and lane-keeping assist were particularly abrupt, leading to head-toss and discomfort. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the SUV's substantial weight provided a sense of security.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though its headlight performance was rated Marginal.