2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5's overall appearance was classy and modern, with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 continued this theme with a modern, uncluttered design. The interior was packed with technology, yet maintained a clean look with smartly grouped controls. High-quality materials like real wood and metal were used, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for optimal driver visibility. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past glory, offering a large, shiny, and impressive presence. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, providing a spacious and comfortable ride for up to seven passengers. The Enclave's design was upscale, especially in the Avenir trim, which added a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms and a minimalist approach to controls, with soft, perforated leather seats and polished accents. The cabin was designed for comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave's size allowed for a genuinely useful third-row seat, and the cargo space was commendable, offering up to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and achieve impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD and offered various driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 31 km. The handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Enclave's acceleration was strong, thanks to the low torque peak. The Enclave's ride was comfortable, with a premium-tuned suspension and continuously variable damping. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, and the Enclave could travel over 900 km on a single tank. The steering and braking were well-calibrated, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior design was uncluttered, with smartly laid-out controls and storage options.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering seating for up to seven passengers with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The Enclave's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, a heated steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave provided 668 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, enhancing connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, 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 and a Teen Driver function, but the technology package required additional purchases for advanced features.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited to higher trims, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist available in the Driver Confidence Plus Package. The NHTSA gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, but the IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal. The Enclave lacked advanced driver-assistance technologies, making it less competitive in safety.