2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, akin to a reliable tool that didn't require frequent updates. The interior, dominated by hard plastics, was straightforward and easy to clean, aligning with the SUV's practical mission. The dashboard was old-school, with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and durability.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more modern and upscale aesthetic. Buick's shift from sedans to SUVs was evident in the Enclave's design, which featured softer character lines and a more luxurious interior. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh, enhancing its exterior with a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs. Inside, the Enclave boasted upgraded materials, a restyled centre console, and available heated and cooled seats. The Avenir trim, in particular, offered unique styling elements and comfort features, elevating the Enclave's appeal as a near-luxury SUV.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system, making it a capable off-roader. The 4Runner excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional packages like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, which added features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km, limiting its range to about 620 kilometres with a full tank.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, offered a more refined driving experience. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave delivered smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The Avenir Technology package further enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping. The Enclave's AWD system provided confidence in various conditions, although it wasn't designed for serious off-roading. Fuel efficiency was reasonable for its class, and the Enclave's quiet cabin, aided by Buick's QuietTuning technology, made for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter passengers without running boards. Once inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and visibility. The rear seats featured air conditioning vents and USB ports, enhancing passenger comfort. Cargo space was generous, with up to 1,337 litres behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with them folded down, making it suitable for adventures.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in passenger comfort and space. Its three-row seating accommodated six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row via second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in all rows. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the cargo area offered 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience for accessing the cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, especially in the entry-level Trail grade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the system was functional, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. The 4Runner's infotainment included physical buttons and knobs for ease of use, even with gloves.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a more advanced technology suite. The Essence trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices and included a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium and Avenir trims boasted a 10-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the listening experience. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and HD surround vision were available, providing a comprehensive tech package.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.