2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured a timeless design with tall slab sides, a high beltline, short overhangs, and a near-vertical front fascia. Its utilitarian attitude was reminiscent of an XJ Jeep Cherokee, with flared wheel wells designed to accommodate bulky off-road tires and short overhangs for tackling steep pitches and sharp declines. The hood scoop, a visual cue for the off-road-focused TRD trim, was one of the few non-functional elements. Small, angular headlights highlighted the front end, and the grille varied by trim, with body-color bars on most trims and blacked-out accents on the TRD Pro. The Limited trim, aimed at comfort, featured leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen, but still had plenty of plastic and a seating position designed for off-roading.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a large, shiny, and impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days while addressing modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, with a design that competed with higher-priced three-row SUVs. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist approach with organic forms, polished accents, and soft, perforated leather. The wood trim, however, was not real. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, except for the fussy electronic transmission shifter, which took some getting used to.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not designed for smoothness or efficiency but for durability and off-road capability. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds but offered poor fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like Toyota's CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and vague steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and the nine-speed automatic provided smooth shifts. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's ride and handling were impressive, offering comfort and control across various driving environments. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg combined, and it achieved 21.2 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, chunky knobs for HVAC and stereo controls, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The seating position was tall, and power-retractable running boards aided entry and exit. The 4Runner offered an optional third row of seats, but they were narrow, thin, and best suited for short, occasional use. The third-row seats folded toward the floor and slid backward, limiting legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy and comfortable seating for six or seven people. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage, and 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with matching massage. The seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The center console provided ample storage, and the third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. The Enclave offered 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 2020 Toyota 4Runner was updated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system included Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services like Sirius XM Radio and WiFi Connect. However, the onboard navigation system was less efficient than Google Maps via Android Auto. While the 4Runner's technology was improved, it still lagged behind competitors in features and usability. The advanced features were primarily in the powertrain, not the dashboard.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response, good voice recognition, and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the Enclave lacked Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was also less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a neat feature, providing a live video view of what was behind the Enclave.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. It also had eight standard airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it four out of five stars overall, but only three stars in the rollover test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal rating in the small overlap front: driver-side test. The adaptive cruise control worked well, but the high center of gravity and imprecise steering made a more active lane-keeping assist system desirable.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were less comprehensive. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available only on higher trims, and the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more, was standard only on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, but four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.