2020 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Audi Q7 presented a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, with its updated front and rear styling aligning it with the flagship Q8 model. The Q7 55 TFSI, priced at $86,100 with the Technik trim, featured 21-inch wheels and a high-tech interior. The cabin, adorned in Okapi Brown leather and Gray/Brown Fine Grain Ash wood inlays, exuded luxury. The dashboard and instrumentation borrowed from the Q8, replacing physical controls with three digital displays, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The ambient lighting added a soothing touch to the upscale and tech-savvy environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave embraced a more traditional yet upscale design. The Avenir trim, priced at $66,773 with the Avenir Technology Package, boasted a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist approach with organic forms and polished accents. The cabin offered soft, perforated leather seats with a basic massaging function, and a wood-and-leather steering wheel. Despite its simplicity, the Enclave’s interior was comfortable and quiet, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning efforts and laminated glass.

The 2020 Audi Q7 55 TFSI was equipped with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, producing 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD, delivered a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. The Q7’s 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, averaging 11.2 L/100 km during testing. The Technik trim included an adaptive air suspension, enhancing ride quality and off-road capability. Despite some throttle response issues in Comfort and Auto modes, the Q7 excelled in Dynamic mode, offering agile handling and a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave’s FWD model averaged 11.1 L/100 km, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The Enclave’s ride was smooth and comfortable across various terrains, though steering response could be quicker. Overall, the Enclave provided strong acceleration and a serene driving experience.

The 2020 Audi Q7, while offering three rows of seats, was best suited for five passengers due to the cramped third row. With the third row folded, cargo space increased from 402 litres to 1,010 litres, and up to 1,970 litres with both rows down. The Technik trim’s front seats were comfortable for long journeys, and the second row offered ample legroom and climate control features. However, interior storage was limited, with minimal space in the centre console and door-panel bins.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, one of the largest SUVs in its class, comfortably seated six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave’s third-row seat was more spacious than many competitors, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with it folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down. The Enclave’s interior was well-designed for comfort and practicality.

The 2020 Audi Q7 introduced MMI Touch Response technology, combining a 10.1-inch and an 8.6-inch touchscreen for system access. The system included voice and handwriting recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Audi Connect services. Despite occasional unresponsiveness due to dry fingertips, the interface was intuitive. The Technik trim featured a head-up display and a Bose sound system, though Audi upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen system in 2021.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response and logical interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose system were less competitive. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and optional navigation and wireless charging, but Buick’s short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The 2020 Audi Q7 featured advanced driving-assistance systems, including Emergency Assist, Turn Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Assist. However, the traffic-sign recognition system was problematic, and Active Lane Assist was inconsistent. The Q7 received high safety ratings from the IIHS, except for a "poor" headlight rating. The HD Matrix LED headlights were impressive in performance but criticized for glare.

The 2021 Buick Enclave’s safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Avenir Technology Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated "Marginal" by the IIHS.