2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse appeared like a back-to-basics SUV at first glance but distinguished itself with specific styling details unique to each trim level. It employed tried-and-true design elements like a tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and a prominent grille, making it a generic but clean and handsome SUV. Compared to its rivals, the Traverse had a more conservative exterior, which highlighted different trim levels through various styling touches. The RS model, for instance, featured blacked-out trim, whereas the upscale High Country trim flaunted a chrome finish. Option packages like Redline, Sport, and Midnight provided additional opportunities for customization, while wheel sizes varied from 18 to 20 inches depending on the trim.

Built on the same platform as the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Cadillac XT6, the Traverse shared its underpinnings with more premium models but aimed for a more accessible, blue-collar sensibility. The interior offered a restrained style with materials that seemed fairly good but not quite up to the $50,000 MSRP's expectations. An optional Dual SkyScape sunroof was a standout feature, casting natural light over the first and second rows. Overall, the Traverse epitomized a practical and fuss-free approach to design, suitable for those who prioritize utility over luxury.

On the other hand, the 2021 Buick Enclave carried the brand’s historical significance of being big and impressive. It survived times of crisis, most notably due to its sustained popularity in the Chinese market, and stood out as a large, American-made SUV that catered to contemporary tastes while harking back to Buick's glory days. Upscale Avenir trim added unique grille patterns, additional brightwork, and 20-inch polished wheels, giving the Enclave an edge in terms of premium looks.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir presented a minimalist yet elegant design with soft, embroidered leather seats and polished accents. Comfort was paramount with power-adjustable, massaging seats for both driver and front passenger, and a thoughtfully designed center console with hidden storage. This emphasis on luxury and simplicity made the Enclave a compelling option for buyers in search of a calm and serene cabin.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a sole powertrain—a 3.6-liter V6 engine that generated 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this setup promised adequate power but felt somewhat underwhelming off the line. Nevertheless, the V6 provided enough grunt for highway merging and overtaking when pushed, while the nine-speed automatic generally shifted smoothly albeit with occasional rough patches.

On the highway, the Traverse impressed with its quiet cabin and smooth ride. Active noise cancellation and a compliant suspension helped absorb bumps effectively, and the precise steering added a layer of confidence. The Traverse didn't shine as brightly on twisty roads, however, where it lacked the agility of some competitors. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) system didn't dynamically distribute torque as some might expect, and its manual activation was a slight drawback. Despite these limitations, the Traverse did offer off-road and tow/haul modes, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds—a decent but not class-leading figure.

Buick kept things simple under the 2021 Enclave's hood with the same 3.6-liter V6 engine, nine-speed automatic transmission, and an option for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, delivering strong acceleration thanks to its early torque peak. Properly equipped, it also had a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds, just like the Traverse.

The Enclave handled like a smaller SUV despite its large dimensions, thanks in part to a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping included in the Avenir Technology Package. This suspension excelled across various conditions, from urban environments to highways, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The FWD variant had a slight tendency to spin its wheels under strong acceleration, but traction control quickly stabilized it. On our testing loop, the Enclave achieved an average of 21.2 mpg, closely aligning with the EPA's rating of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered versatile seating options for seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration of the second row with either a bench seat or captain’s chairs. It provided commendable headroom and legroom across all three rows, although not class-leading. Higher trims included heated and ventilated seats upfront, with heated outboard rear seats available.

Where the Traverse truly shined was in cargo capacity. It boasted 23.0 cubic feet of space with all seats up, expanding to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and an impressive 98.2 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. This made it one of the leaders in cargo space among midsize three-row crossovers. Higher trims featured conveniences like a power liftgate and a power-folding third-row seat, although interior storage for smaller items was somewhat limited compared to alternatives like minivans.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a luxurious and comfortable cabin for up to seven passengers (if you opt for the third-row bench seat). Signature Buick features like QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass ensured a tranquil interior. The Avenir trim added further comfort with 12-way power-adjustable, massaging seats for the driver and 10-way power-adjustable, massaging seats for the front passenger, both of which were heated and ventilated.

Boasting 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row down, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded, the Enclave matched closely with the Traverse in terms of cargo room. Its expansive rear doors and easy access to the third row made it exceptionally user-friendly, though second-row sunshades were noticeably absent.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a larger 8-inch screen, navigation, 4G-LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bose 10-speaker audio system available on higher trims. The user interface was intuitive, and the presence of analog controls for audio and climate functions was a plus for ease of use.

Digital instrument clusters were not available, but the analog setup, supplemented by a small LCD, proved functional. Unique tech inclusions like the rearview camera mirror and an HD surround-view camera system were beneficial for enhancing visibility and maneuverability. Chevy also provided two USB ports per row, although wireless phone charging was limited to the Premier and High Country trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment technology met basic expectations but didn't excel in comparison to its adversaries. The Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen, while responsive and user-friendly, lagged behind in screen size compared to competitors. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a WiFi hotspot across all trim levels. Additional amenities such as wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a surround-view camera system were available as upgrades.

However, lacking integration with smart home assistants and offering a rather average 10-speaker Bose audio system made it fall short in the premium arena. The rear camera mirror, which switches between a standard reflection and a live video feed, was a notable and useful feature. Teen Driver function and multiple USB ports ensured utility for families, but the Enclave’s technology suite felt antiquated compared to more advanced options in the segment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received solid safety ratings. The IIHS awarded it top "Good" scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. However, its headlights ranged from "Acceptable" to "Poor," and the LATCH child-seat anchor system received an "Acceptable" rating. NHTSA bestowed a five-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests and five stars in side-impact tests.

Chevy's approach to driver-assist technologies was somewhat minimalist. Features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist were not standard but optional, putting it behind competitors like the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent that offered these as standard inclusions. Despite this, the available safety tech that can be found on the higher trims performed adequately.

The 2021 Buick Enclave also demonstrated reliability in safety tests. NHTSA issued it a five-star overall rating, albeit with a four-star front passenger frontal-impact rating. The IIHS gave it high marks across most evaluations, but the Marginal headlight performance hindered it from earning a Top Safety Pick award.

Buick restricted many safety features to upper trims. Essential systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were absent in the base model. Only the Premium and Avenir trims included the Driver Confidence Plus Package, containing forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and other advanced safety features. Enhanced safety measures like adaptive cruise control and emergency braking at highway speeds were exclusive to the Avenir with an additional package purchase.