2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, following its 2019 redesign, presented a bolder and more angular appearance, enhancing its reputation for durability with a tougher look. The Trail 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 further advanced with the TRD Off-Road package, featuring matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a TRD suspension setup, offering a versatile ride across various surfaces. The TRD Off-Road was distinguishable by its unique wheels, tires, and badges, while the Lunar Rock grey paint with a white roof added a stylish touch.

Inside, the 2020 RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured TRD logos on the front-seat head restraints and was equipped with rubber floor mats and a cargo mat, contrasting with the quality construction and soft-touch materials. Positioned near the top of the RAV4's trim levels, it offered a blend of equipment and value, with the XLE trim being a popular choice for those seeking all-wheel drive. The test vehicle, priced at an estimated $41,421 before fees, showcased the RAV4's capability to balance ruggedness with urban utility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, a large and impressive SUV, harkened back to Buick's glory days while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. As the largest of Buick's four SUVs, the Enclave stood out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with organic forms, minimalist controls, and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine.

The Enclave's spacious interior accommodated six to seven passengers comfortably, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, both with massage functions. The Avenir trim included heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave's size provided a useful third-row seat and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families. Despite its size, the Enclave offered a serene ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning efforts and advanced suspension technology.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid variant offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though it was not available with the TRD Off-Road package. The non-turbo, non-hybrid powertrain delivered satisfactory performance, especially in Sport mode, though a turbocharged engine would have been preferable for high-altitude driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally hesitated in gear selection.

The RAV4 TRD Off-Road featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with fuel-saving driveline disconnect technology and multiple terrain-select settings, enhancing its off-road capabilities. With 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road handled challenging trails with ease. In urban settings, the TRD suspension smoothed out speed humps, and the 360-degree camera system facilitated parking. The JBL premium sound system and heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. Fuel efficiency averaged 10.0 L/100 km, slightly above the official estimate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave housed a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6's low torque peak contributed to strong acceleration, and the Enclave drove like a smaller SUV despite its size. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the FWD model allowed for momentary tire spin before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, recommended for its premium suspension and highway-speed automatic emergency braking, enhanced the driving experience.

The Enclave's suspension excelled across various driving conditions, from residential streets to highways, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving, with the test vehicle achieving 11.1 L/100 km. The Enclave's 82-litre fuel tank allowed for over 900 kilometres of travel on a single tank, making it a practical choice for long journeys.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy entry and exit, with seating hip points at an ideal height. The driver's seat was 4-way power-adjustable, while the front passenger seat provided good support despite lacking height adjustment. The RAV4 Trail featured SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was ample, with a dashboard shelf and a cargo capacity of 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,974 litres with the seats folded. Roof rails and a roof rack added to the RAV4's utility.

The 2021 Buick Enclave, one of the largest SUVs in its class, offered spacious and comfortable seating for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim included a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and massage, and a 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with matching features. The Enclave's interior featured heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a stylish centre console with ample storage. The third-row seat was practical, with easy access through large rear doors and between captain's chairs. Cargo space measured 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly and practical, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system included menu shortcut buttons and separate climate controls, with upgrades like navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was impressive, and the vehicle featured wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times, effective voice recognition, and a simple user interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB ports in all rows. The Avenir trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, though these fell short compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror provided a live video feed of the rear view, enhancing visibility.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, and the systems operated smoothly. Toyota offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, including collision notification and emergency assistance. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top marks for crash protection and ADAS performance.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were limited, with features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and park assist sensors. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact protection rated four stars. The IIHS gave high marks, but a Marginal headlight rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.