2025 Buick Enclave vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner represented a significant evolution in design rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation but with a bulkier, more industrial look that defined its exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that blended seamlessly with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. This new iteration paid homage to its predecessors without appearing desperate or kitschy, with design elements like the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. While the interior was purposeful and relatively comfortable, it included hard plastics for durability, with light cushioning in areas where comfort was essential. The materials quality was superior to that of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not quite as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Buick Enclave took design cues from the Envista, Buick's new compact crossover, and presented a bold and sharp appearance. Its front end featured slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline, drawing comparisons to Lamborghini models. While the side profile was somewhat generic, the Enclave looked bolder and more refined than its predecessor. The Enclave's design included fewer creases along the side, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels adorned the base Preferred trim and Sport Touring, with unique High Gloss Black touches on the latter. The top-tier Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special "Avenir Pearl Nickel" finish. Inside, the Enclave exuded a modern and premium feel, with a floating center console and large curved display reminiscent of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring trim featured perforated leatherette seats with contrast piping, adding a touch of luxury. However, the limited sunroof availability was a drawback, with the panoramic power sunroof only available on higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine options. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option, while off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering a combined 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant offered stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were the most capable, with approach angles ranging from 18 to 33 degrees, departure angles from 22 to 24 degrees, and ground clearance between 8.1 and 10.1 inches.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with AWD available for an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by AWD, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick provided two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the road noise-targeting iteration standard and engine noise cancellation available on higher trims. The Enclave's turbo engine was not the most refined, and the lack of engine noise cancellation on lower trims was noticeable. The Enclave drove like a full-size vehicle, with loose steering at slower speeds, but this was not a significant concern for its target audience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner measured five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase. While this typically resulted in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom for average-sized adults. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and tactile off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs, camera views, a locking rear differential, and a disconnectable stabilizer bar. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, further reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting a static load of 800 pounds.

The 2025 Buick Enclave featured eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger's seat. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, accommodating up to seven passengers. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation exclusive to the Avenir trim. Tri-zone climate control allowed middle-row passengers to manage their temperature. The Enclave offered power-folding second and third-row seats, with a one-touch power feature available on higher trims. GM's AutoSense liftgate was standard, providing hands-free access to the rear cargo area. Cargo space measured 22.9 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a larger 14-inch touchscreen available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were available. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, with availability on other models. Off-road-focused models featured external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic camera activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable center speaker that doubled as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Buick Enclave showcased its premium positioning with a standard 30-inch curved display integrating the infotainment and digital gauge cluster. While seamless in most cases, smartphone projection interrupted the display's cohesiveness. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker Bose Performance system exclusive to the Avenir trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with Google Built-In providing native apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wi-Fi hotspot capability was standard, with wired charging available for all passengers through USB ports in each row.

As of this writing, crash test results for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner were unavailable from the NHTSA or IIHS. However, the Tacoma pickup truck, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature, which automatically slowed the vehicle when approaching curves, could be disabled if deemed intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. Newly standard features included blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven selectable camera views was standard, with an option to increase to nine views. Adaptive cruise control was standard, while a head-up display was optional for all but the top trim. GM's Teen Driver technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive driving reports. The Enclave was the first Buick to offer Super Cruise, GM's hands-free highway driving technology, available on all trims for an additional cost. The 2025 Enclave had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model scored well in most IIHS tests and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.