2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave embraced its heritage with a large, impressive design that resonated with consumers. The Enclave's Avenir trim added a touch of luxury with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with soft, perforated leather and polished accents. The minimalist approach to controls and the inclusion of a fussy electronic transmission shifter were notable. The Enclave's interior was spacious and comfortable, offering a serene driving experience, although the wood trim was not genuine.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines, with the ST trim featuring a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, enhancing its nimble handling and cornering capabilities. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacities varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2021 Buick Enclave came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the Enclave's acceleration was strong, thanks to the low torque peak. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable and composed ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with the Enclave averaging 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The Enclave's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, making it a capable choice for those needing to tow.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, although the bench was flat for long journeys. Cargo space was generous, with 509 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second row, and 2,491 litres with all seats folded. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, providing a spacious and quiet cabin for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The centre console offered ample storage, and the second-row captain's chairs were heated. The third row was comfortable, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was user-friendly, the system lacked innovation, and updates required an external Wi-Fi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed refinement.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear, but the short trial periods for connected services were a downside.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and reverse braking were also standard. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package standard on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.