2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a luxurious and spacious option for consumers. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave's pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather, although the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued to build on its legacy as a popular crossover SUV. Launched in North America in 1996, the RAV4 evolved from a "cute-ute" to a mature and sophisticated vehicle. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States. Its exterior featured angular flourishes, expressive headlights, and a distinctive grille, while the interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors. The center stack was straightforward, with a touchscreen interface positioned for minimal distraction. The Adventure-trim test vehicle showcased a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied the cabin together, adding a unique touch to the design.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, allowing for strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 21.2 mpg, allowing for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. FWD models achieved 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models were slightly less efficient. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 217 net hp and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 hp, a 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined rating, and an electric-only range of 42 miles. The Adventure AWD model tested delivered smooth power and car-like handling, with three drive modes to tailor performance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and easy to access, and the cargo area provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and various towing capabilities depending on the trim. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four passengers, with plenty of storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin. The second-row split-folding bench seat could accommodate a fifth passenger in a pinch.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust technology suite, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime featured additional tech, including five USB ports, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. The bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display were also available on upper trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were somewhat limited, with advanced systems like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist restricted to higher trims. Adaptive cruise control was only available on the Avenir trim with an additional package. Despite these limitations, the Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though its headlight performance was rated as Marginal.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.