2020 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless and utilitarian design. Its flared wheel wells were specifically designed to accommodate off-road tires, while the short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep terrains. Despite its rugged appearance, the hood scoop was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's lineup in Canada was based on the SR5 trim with five packages, including the Limited package, which aimed at providing more comfort with features like leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, the utilitarian DNA of the 4Runner meant that it still had plenty of plastic, and the seating position was more suited for off-road adventures than highway cruising.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past glory with its large, shiny, and impressive design. It was the largest of Buick's SUVs, offering a luxurious and spacious interior. The Enclave's Avenir trim added extra presence with a unique grille pattern and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with organic forms, polished accents, and soft leather seats, although the wood was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a fussy electronic transmission shifter being the only exception. The Enclave was designed to provide a comfortable and serene driving experience, with features like QuietTuned comfort and a premium-tuned suspension.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. However, the engine was not known for its smoothness or fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of 14.8 L/100 km in the city and 12.5 L/100 km on the highway. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like crawl control and Multi-Terrain Select. On-road, it exhibited significant body roll and heavy steering, making it feel like a blast from the past.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it drove like a smaller SUV despite its size. The suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a smooth ride across various terrains. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank. The Enclave's steering and brake response were well-tuned, although the steering could have been quicker.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 5.6 metres. Inside, it featured large, chunky knobs for controls and an 8-inch touchscreen. The seating position was high, providing a commanding view of the road. The 4Runner offered an optional third row, but these seats were best for short and occasional use due to their lack of legroom and comfort.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious and comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a stylish centre console. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through large rear doors. Cargo space was commendable, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded down.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was updated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also featured Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and subscription services like Sirius XM. However, the onboard navigation system was less intuitive compared to smartphone apps. The 4Runner's technological advancements were more focused on off-road capabilities than dashboard features.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a simple user interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It had eight standard airbags and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it scored three stars in the rollover test and had a Marginal rating in the IIHS small overlap front test.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but its headlight performance was rated Marginal.