2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup through signature design elements like the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its Sage Green Metallic colour and minor design tweaks made it an appealing choice for those seeking an understated electric vehicle. Inside, the XC40 boasted a minimalist yet premium interior, featuring high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a harmonious whole.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harked back to Buick's glory days with its large, impressive presence. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, it stood out with its upscale styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the luxurious theme with organic forms, a minimalist approach to controls, and polished accents. The interior featured soft, perforated leather seats and a wood-and-leather steering wheel, though the wood was not genuine. Despite its size, the Enclave maintained simplicity, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception, which users quickly adapted to.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads, and offered one-pedal driving for regenerative braking.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. Its acceleration was strong, aided by the V6's low torque peak, and the nine-speed automatic provided seamless shifts. The Enclave's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, making it suitable for various driving conditions. 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 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. It featured a removable trash bin in the centre console, a bag hook in the glovebox door, and extra-large door bins due to the relocation of the audio system's speakers. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, comfortably accommodating six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim offered luxurious seating with power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with OTA update capability for software-controlled vehicle functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but the Google interface might not appeal to all users. The Recharge model also lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle, enhancing visibility.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aids.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were less comprehensive, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist limited to higher trims. 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.