2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the brand, which had struggled during the Malaise Era of automotive design. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's glorious past while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUV offerings, with a design that exuded premium appeal, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather, polished accents, and a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained much of its decade-old design, with only minor updates over the years. The GX featured Lexus' spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior felt dated, with wood trim that resembled plastic and an overall lack of modern luxury. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle made for an uncomfortable driving position. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility and analog controls for ease of use.

Under the hood, 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 maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6's low torque peak contributed to its impressive performance, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The Avenir Technology Package, with its premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, further enhanced the driving experience. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite the V8's grunt, the GX's 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road driver aids. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds and offered respectable ground clearance and approach/departure angles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities such as 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access and commendable comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward driving position. The GX's boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but the center-console storage and cupholders were small. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than the Enclave.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the screen size was smaller than competitors, and the sound system was not as high-end. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, which provided a live video feed of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, the GX included analog controls for ease of use and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available. The GX's tech offerings were minimal compared to the Enclave.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it had a four-star rating for frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.