2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Buick Enclave marked a return to form for the brand, reminiscent of its glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest SUV in Buick's 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 interior with organic forms, minimalist controls, and soft leather, although the wood accents were not genuine. The simplicity of the interior was marred only by the electronic transmission shifter, which required some getting used to.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready persona, staying true to its roots as a truck-based SUV. Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner retained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, appealing to those who ventured off-road. Its design emphasized function, with a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a front bumper designed for obstacle approach. Inside, the 4Runner's layout was reminiscent of the late 2000s, with a focus on practicality over modern aesthetics. The 4Runner offered a range of trims, each catering to different needs, from the off-road-ready TRD Pro to the more road-oriented Limited trim. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities and rugged charm continued to attract a niche audience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's V6 delivered strong acceleration, aided by its low torque peak, and the SUV handled like a smaller vehicle despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission was smooth and precise, contributing to the Enclave's refined driving experience. The Avenir Technology Package, which included a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking, enhanced the Enclave's performance, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The Enclave achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided power to the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. While the engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations, except when off-road. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road prowess. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some competitors but sufficient for most needs.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for serenity, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather upholstery, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. The optional third row reduced cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, with limited room behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin was not as spacious as some modern SUVs, it provided ample storage for gear. The 4Runner's interior design reflected its age, with a focus on practicality over modern efficiency.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in screen size and smart home integration, with the largest available touchscreen being 8 inches. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system, navigation, and a surround-view camera, but lacked advanced features like Amazon Alexa integration. A unique feature was the rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation, especially useful when wearing gloves. While the 4Runner's infotainment system was not the most advanced, it covered essential tech needs. Upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. The 4Runner's infotainment system emphasized simplicity, appealing to those who preferred tactile controls over digital interfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited to higher trim levels. Features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available only on the Essence trim and above. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking were exclusive to the Avenir trim with the optional Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard, offering forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera system were optional. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the IIHS at the time.