2022 Buick Enclave vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Buick Enclave represented a significant shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling. Historically, Buick's designs were characterized by softer lines and functional interiors, catering to an older demographic focused on comfort and tradition. However, over the past 15 years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, reflecting broader market trends. The Enclave, introduced in 2008 and redesigned in 2018, became a flagship model, offering a more upmarket feel. The 2022 mid-cycle refresh brought several exterior enhancements, including a new grille, fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs, particularly for the top-tier Avenir trim. Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and available heated, cooled, and massaging seats, enhancing its premium appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), added a nostalgic touch with retro body stripes, a heritage grille, and bronze accents. Based on the SR5 Premium trim, the 40 ASE included a standard 4WD system and unique interior and exterior badges. The 4Runner lineup offered various trims, from the base SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, with prices ranging from $39,555 to $54,020. The 4Runner's design retained its rugged, truck-based SUV appeal, with a purposeful interior featuring durable materials and straightforward controls. Despite its age, the 4Runner's classic styling and off-road capabilities continued to attract a dedicated following.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a single powertrain option: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds. Known for its quiet and smooth ride, the Enclave excelled in providing a premium driving experience, enhanced by the optional Avenir Technology package, which included a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's powertrain delivered responsive acceleration, despite its substantial weight, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. While not designed for off-roading, the Enclave's AWD system and 7.5 inches of ground clearance provided confidence in light off-road conditions and adverse weather.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 4Runner offered both rear-wheel drive and two 4WD systems, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was supported by a minimum of nine inches of ground clearance, Hill-Start Assist Control, and additional off-roading technologies like locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. During testing, the 4Runner demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities, handling mud and standing water with ease. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a brake pedal that required careful modulation. Despite these quirks, the 4Runner's rugged design and off-road features made it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered easy ingress and egress, excellent visibility, and comfortable seating with standard power adjustments and heating for the front seats. The Premium and Avenir trims added massage functions and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's spacious cabin accommodated six full-size adults comfortably, with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which was roomy enough for six-footers. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and convenient storage options. The Enclave provided generous cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down. Power-folding third-row seats added to the convenience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation and providing an open-air driving experience. While entry and exit required some effort, the seats were comfortable, with the 40 ASE trim featuring SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The 4Runner offered numerous storage locations, though some lacked rubber liners, leading to potential rattling. The second-row seating area was spacious, with good legroom, headroom, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was less comfortable and reduced cargo space. The 4Runner's cargo area, with the third row folded, offered 46.3 cubic feet of space, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the second row down. The tailgate's bumper served as a convenient seat, and a sliding cargo floor was available for easier loading and unloading.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 4.2-inch driver information center, with Premium and Avenir trims upgrading to an 8-inch reconfigurable version. The Essence trim included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The infotainment system supported up to 10 paired devices and included a built-in WiFi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims also featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features were adaptive cruise control, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, hitch guidance, and HD surround vision.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, and the 4Runner could function as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and voice recognition performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. The 4Runner's straightforward controls and durable materials appealed to those who preferred a more rugged, less tech-heavy interior.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates to its safety features, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package becoming standard across all trims. This package included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-change alert with blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assistance with lane-departure warning, rear park assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional standard safety features were a Safety Alert driver's seat, rear-seat reminder system, and HD reversing camera. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, surround-view camera, head-up display, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. During testing, the adaptive cruise control performed well, though it was slow to accelerate after lane changes. The lane-departure warning could be turned off if it became too intrusive. The 4Runner's crash-test ratings reflected its age, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, including a three-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave the 4Runner a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.