2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The interior included functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality did not elevate with higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was lighter than leather but not as luxurious.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was a large, impressive SUV that harkened back to Buick's glory days. It was the largest of Buick's four SUVs and offered a range of trims from Preferred to Avenir. The Enclave Avenir trim added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured organic forms, a minimalist approach to instrumentation, and tasteful polished accents. The seats were wrapped in soft, perforated leather, and the wood trim, though not real, added to the luxurious feel. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but overall, the interior was simple and elegant.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level usually found in racing engines, and loved to rev, with power peaking at 6,600 rpm. However, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2021 Buick Enclave came with a 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and AWD options. The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts. The Enclave's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, offered a premium-tuned ride with continuously variable damping. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, and it had a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, which was above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were user-friendly, but the center-console storage was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering roomy seating for six or seven people. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench seat provided ample space, and the triple-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers. The Enclave offered 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy. The RAV4 lacked a head-up display in the gasoline models, which was available in the RAV4 Prime.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Avenir trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, but the system lacked integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was decent but not as impressive as those in other premium SUVs. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what was behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.

The 2021 Buick Enclave had a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but only four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade. The 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, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control was available only with the Avenir Technology Package.