2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, redesigned in 2019, showcased a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its tough and durable reputation. The Adventure trim, introduced the previous year, improved off-roading capabilities with a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, multiple driving modes, and downhill assist control. The 2020 model introduced the TRD Off-Road trim, featuring smaller, lighter matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a special TRD suspension setup, providing a versatile ride on various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road trim was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, and the Lunar Rock gray paint with an extra-cost white roof was particularly compelling.

Inside, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with the quality construction and soft-touch materials. The trim-level ladder started with the LE and FWD at $25,950 and stretched to the Limited with AWD at $35,880. The XLE trim, upgraded with the top option package, offered the best blend of equipment and value, priced around $31,750 with the standard gas engine and FWD, and just over $33,000 as a hybrid with AWD. The test vehicle, fully equipped, cost $42,902, including destination and dealer-installed accessories.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, a large and impressive SUV, continued to tether Buick to its glorious past while addressing current consumer preferences for SUVs. Buick, having survived the 2009 General Motors bankruptcy, found solid footing with globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave, the largest of Buick's four SUVs, competed with higher-priced three-row SUVs from mainstream brands and lower-priced versions of luxury models. The Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and unique 20-inch wheels with a polished finish.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation and controls, and tasteful polished accents. The soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather seats imparted a sense of luxury, though the wood was not real. The fussy electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to, but the overall simplicity of the interior was appreciated. The Enclave's ride and handling were perfect for various driving environments, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle averaged 21.2 mpg on a 140-mile loop.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid, a separate model, delivered 219 horsepower and up to 40 mpg in combined driving but was not available with the TRD Off-Road trim. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain of the test vehicle provided good numbers for the class, feeling energetic, especially in Sport mode. The 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection.

The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology, multi-terrain select settings, and downhill assist control, making it aptly named. The RAV4 handled various terrains with ease, including a challenging trail with steep ravines and slick muddy spots. In urban settings, the TRD suspension smoothed out speed humps, and the 360-degree surround-view camera system made parking easy. The test vehicle averaged 23.4 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and accurate shifts. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it drove like a smaller SUV despite its size. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD, occasionally spun the tires before traction control intervened.

The Avenir Technology Package, a single option on the $57,090 test vehicle, included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking at highway speeds. The suspension performed exceptionally well across various driving environments, from residential streets to highways. The Enclave's steering and brake response were satisfactory, though quicker steering response would be beneficial. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle averaged 21.2 mpg on a 140-mile loop, allowing for up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with seating hip points at an ideal height. The 8-way adjustable driver's seat provided a low and sporty driving position, while the front passenger seat, lacking a height adjuster, still offered good thigh support. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap sweat on hot days, but the Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo space of 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The test vehicle also had a robust roof rack with crossbars and an optional hands-free power liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, one of the largest SUVs in its class, offered spacious and comfortable seating for six or seven people. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat was 10-way power-adjustable with matching massage. Both seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The wood-and-leather steering wheel included automatic heating.

The Enclave's center console provided ample storage, and the seven-passenger seating configuration included second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. The third-row seat was roomy and comfortable, with easy access through the large rear doors. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured user-friendly technology, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display depending on the trim level. The 8-inch system in the TRD Off-Road trim suffered from glare but was otherwise satisfactory. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple connected services packages with generous free trial periods. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was free for three months or 2GB of data usage.

The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its superb voice-recognition technology, accurately understanding and responding to commands. The optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera height and angle.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size, smart home digital assistant integration, and high-end audio components. The Avenir's 8-inch touchscreen display was the largest available, and the Enclave did not offer Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors.

The Enclave's infotainment system 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. The Teen Driver function provided a driving report card for parents. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. The available rear camera mirror showed a live video view of what was behind the Enclave, enhancing rear visibility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included advanced driving assist safety features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, front and rear parking assist with automated braking, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems operated smoothly and accurately, encouraging drivers to keep them activated. Toyota also included a free one-year subscription to Safety Connect services, offering automatic collision notification, an activated SOS emergency assistance button, and enhanced roadside assistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2020 RAV4 a Top Safety Pick rating for models equipped with full LED, curve adaptive headlights.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems worked well but were limited to higher trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting from the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The Avenir Technology Package added adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking at highway speeds. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Enclave a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS awarded high marks across the board, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.