2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a return to form for the brand, harking back to its glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected with consumers. As the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious feel with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The minimalist interior design was marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered a blend of familiar and distinct styling with its sharp edges and streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was built on an older platform, sharing its underpinnings with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model added aggressive styling elements like a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, complemented by a striking Grecian Water blue paint. Inside, the NX Hybrid's design felt dated, with plastic switchgear and trim that didn't match the luxury brand's reputation. The interior was functional, with a stepped center console and analog controls, but the material quality was more akin to mainstream brands.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Enclave offered strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The ride quality was enhanced by the Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's handling was impressive for its size, and it achieved an average fuel economy of 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 194 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive provided stability, but the NX Hybrid's performance was more focused on efficiency than excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with power transitions. The NX Hybrid offered drive modes, but they had minimal impact on performance, and the fuel economy gains in Eco mode were slight.

The Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, accommodating up to seven passengers with its roomy and quiet cabin. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Enclave offered substantial cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Lexus NX Hybrid, however, had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable, with 10-way power adjustment and available heating and ventilation. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX Hybrid's design aimed for a sporty feel, but rear visibility was compromised by thick pillars.

The Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors, and it lacked smart home integration. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, but the technology felt dated compared to rivals.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a cumbersome Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. The base audio system was underwhelming, though higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included essential aids like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, but adaptive cruise control required the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though its headlights were rated marginal by IIHS.

The Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It also received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. The NX Hybrid came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.