2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant comeback for the brand, which had struggled during the Malaise Era of automotive design. Thanks to its popularity in China, Buick survived the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy and redefined itself with globally-sourced vehicles. The Enclave, a large, American-made SUV, was a nod to Buick's past glory while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist design with high-quality materials, though the wood accents were not genuine. The interior was simple, except for the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a redesign in over a decade, yet its rugged, utilitarian design remained appealing. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's two-box body and flared fenders exuded timeless styling and utility. Available in various trims, including the Trail Special Edition, the 4Runner was built for off-road adventures, with features like a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was practical, with hard plastics and an old-school dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. Despite its age, the 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a traditional SUV experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and its ride was smooth, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered part-time four-wheel drive, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, its on-road performance was less impressive, feeling slow and clunky. The 4Runner's fuel economy was lower, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg in combined driving and a range of about 385 miles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated leather seats with massage functions. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, which could be challenging for shorter passengers. However, once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable seating with good support and legroom. The Trail Special Edition featured a sliding cargo deck and a large roof rack, providing plenty of storage options. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like smart home digital assistant integration and high-end audio components. The Avenir trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a rear camera mirror, but the technology fell short compared to competitors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition. While the system's appearance was basic, its functionality was impressive, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trim levels. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning, but adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.