2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding appeared much more refined. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, covering the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive look ensured it stood out in a crowded parking lot, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing with globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, a large American-made SUV, connected Buick to its past while catering to modern SUV preferences. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave's pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. Competing with higher-priced three-row SUVs, the Enclave's Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Avenir featured organic forms, minimalist controls, and polished accents, with soft leather seats imparting a sense of luxury, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its interior, except for the fussy electronic transmission shifter, which users quickly adapted to.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options depending on the trim level. The base Latitude and Latitude Plus came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available on higher trims, significantly boosted output to 271 hp. The top-tier engine was the 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the V-6 in torque. Despite these options, none provided outstanding acceleration, with the V-6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph in about 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities shone in the Trailhawk model, equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While FWD was available to keep prices competitive, it was less common among buyers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave kept things simple with a single 3.6-liter V6 engine across all trims, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a choice between FWD and AWD. The V6 generated 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration. The Enclave's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic ensured smooth shifts, and the FWD model allowed for momentary tire spin before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, priced at $57,090, included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The suspension excelled in various driving conditions, offering a comfortable and controlled ride. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee, competing with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, it fell short in utility, offering only 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, placing it at the bottom among compact SUVs. The Cherokee's 102 cubic feet of passenger volume was competitive, slightly smaller than the Escape but larger than the Sportage. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting satisfaction. The base Latitude featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Buick's QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass ensured a serene cabin. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The center console provided storage and comfort, with a cover for the cupholders. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. Accessing the third row was easy through the large rear doors and between the captain's chairs. Cargo space was commendable, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured Stellantis' Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface and climate control accessibility. Available with 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreens, the system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was also available. The Uconnect system's consistency across Stellantis vehicles was a significant advantage for Cherokee buyers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size, smart home integration, and high-end audio components. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, lacking Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. However, the Enclave offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, USB ports in all rows, and a Teen Driver function. The rear camera mirror provided a live video feed of the rear view, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness and a G+ score for LATCH ease of use. The headlights received "Acceptable" and "Marginal" ratings. The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control required the Avenir trim and Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS rated it highly except for headlight performance.