2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presented a rugged exterior that set it apart from other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive look, reminiscent of a traditional SUV. Despite its bold styling, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which it shared with other Toyota models like the Camry. This meant that while it looked adventurous, its mechanical underpinnings were more conventional. The interior featured rugged styling touches, such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, and offered SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and more durable than leather, though real leather was not available even on the highest trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative design approach, reflecting Buick's traditional focus on comfort and simplicity. Over the years, Buick transitioned from a sedan-heavy lineup to an all-SUV portfolio, aligning with market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, received a mid-cycle refresh in 2022, featuring new exterior styling elements and a restyled center console. The Avenir trim level offered unique design touches and premium materials, elevating the Enclave's interior to near-luxury status. The Enclave's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with features like heated, cooled, and massaging seats, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing comfort and space.

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 front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. The engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically seen in racing engines, and delivered power at high RPMs. However, the transmission's hesitancy and the steering's lack of feel detracted from the driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which featured a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available across all trims. The Enclave's ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to its premium ride suspension and QuietTuning technology. Despite its size, the Enclave offered responsive acceleration, and the nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave's AWD and 7.5 inches of ground clearance provided confidence in light off-road conditions.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom was slightly lacking compared to competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with flat cushions. Cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, though not class-leading. The interior featured oversized knobs and controls, but storage space was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all three rows. The third row was comfortable even for taller passengers, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, and the cabin offered numerous storage solutions, including a wireless phone charging pad.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, with larger screens available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which was reserved for the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered a more comprehensive technology suite, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. Additional features included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. The Avenir trim boasted advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with higher trims offering additional features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Buick Enclave saw significant updates in safety tech, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package now standard across all trims. This included features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests. Premium trims added enhanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.