2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for the brand, which had struggled to regain its former glory after a period of decline. The Enclave, as the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, was a nod to the brand's past while catering to modern consumer preferences for spacious and luxurious SUVs. It was available in three trims in Canada: Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $48,000 to $62,000, excluding destination charges. The Enclave's design was both elegant and imposing, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged and utilitarian design, which had remained largely unchanged for over a decade. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's two-box body and flared fenders exuded a timeless and functional appeal. It was available in various trims, including Trail and SR5, with prices starting at $46,200. The 4Runner's interior was characterized by hard plastics and a straightforward dashboard with large knobs and buttons, reflecting its focus on durability and ease of use. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design continued to resonate with those seeking a reliable and capable SUV.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivered 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was respectable, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres, or 11.8 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It came with a five-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac and optional packages with locking differentials and Crawl Control, it felt slow and cumbersome on pavement. Its fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with its standard seven-passenger seating configuration. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Enclave's third-row seat was notably roomy, and cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner's interior was more utilitarian, with comfortable front and rear seats and ample legroom. While a third-row seat was available, it was not included in the test vehicle. The 4Runner's cargo space measured up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded down. The high ground clearance made entry and exit challenging for some, but the 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, its 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered additional features like a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but Buick's short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more basic, especially in the entry-level Trail grade. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation. While the 4Runner's technology was not cutting-edge, it included practical features like a windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo area power outlet.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS.