2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy stood out with its distinctive grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. It featured upgraded interior detailing and a simulated suede interior headliner, making it appear more luxurious than other Palisade models. The standard LED headlights added a modern touch to its design. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim gave the Palisade a sophisticated look that attracted attention, though opinions on its unconventional styling varied. Inside, the Palisade impressed with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, offering a cabin that felt more expensive than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to controls, and tasteful polished accents. The leather seats were soft and embroidered, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its interior, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade achieved a fuel efficiency of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Its firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence grade, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade offered 509 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,447 litres with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering a roomy and quiet cabin for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and the large rear doors made access easy. Cargo space measured 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems, with 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen displays. Both systems supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link connected services. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system, navigation, and wireless charging. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror provided a live video view of the rear, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. The Highway Driving Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring excellent protection in a collision.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and park assist sensors. The Avenir Technology Package included adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.