2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a bold departure from its predecessors with a rugged and angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its front fascia featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was also capable of off-road adventures. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a simple yet functional design with tasteful shiny trim. While it lacked luxury features like leather upholstery, the interior materials were of good quality, providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past glory, offering a large, impressive SUV that catered to modern consumer preferences. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, providing ample space and comfort for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim added a touch of luxury with a unique grille pattern, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms and polished accents. The leather seats were soft and perforated, offering a sense of luxury, although the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's interior was designed for simplicity, with a focus on comfort and ease of use.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted a 219-horsepower powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered impressive fuel economy, achieving a combined EPA rating of 40 miles per gallon. The RAV4 Hybrid's AWD system was innovative, using electric motors to drive the rear wheels, eliminating the need for a heavy driveshaft. This contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system provided smooth acceleration and regenerative braking, making it quicker than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured 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 strong acceleration and a smooth driving experience. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a comfortable ride across various terrains. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank. The Enclave's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for larger loads.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and intuitive controls. The interior was spacious, with a rear seat providing ample legroom for three adults. The cargo area was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet of space, and the hybrid system did not compromise interior or cargo space. However, the cabin could be quieter, as some road noise was noticeable.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was comfortable, and the large rear doors facilitated easy access. The cargo space was commendable, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM Radio, providing excellent infotainment options. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured Predictive Efficient Drive, enhancing the hybrid system's efficiency. The drive mode selector allowed drivers to choose between Eco, Sport, and Trail modes, optimizing performance for different conditions.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. However, it lacked advanced features like Amazon Alexa integration and had a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror and a Teen Driver function, but its technology offerings were less competitive compared to other SUVs in its segment.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, although it had two safety recalls related to engine coolant and suspension issues.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims, with the Driver Confidence Plus Package available only on Premium and Avenir trims. This package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but its Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade from the IIHS.