2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave was a nod to the brand's illustrious past while catering to modern consumer preferences for SUVs. It was available in three trims in Canada: Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $48,000 to over $62,000, excluding destination charges. The Enclave's design was striking, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a minimalist yet luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter required some getting used to, but overall, the Enclave offered a blend of simplicity and elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a more modern and distinctive design. Its bold front end and floating roof design gave it a unique appearance, though it might have required an acclimation period for some. The Highlander Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing from $45,950 to $56,450, plus destination charges. The Platinum trim, which we evaluated, came with a host of features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera, and a second-row bench seat option. While the Highlander Hybrid's interior was upscale, with leather upholstery and a two-tone design, some details, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but reflections on sunny days could be an issue. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid offered a comfortable and well-equipped cabin.

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 a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. During testing, the Enclave averaged 11.1 L/100 km with front-wheel drive, offering a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, used a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total output of 243 horsepower. It was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving, showcasing its fuel efficiency. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less spirited, with the engine sounding strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride could become unsettled on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 7.4 L/100 km during testing, making it an economical choice for those prioritizing fuel savings.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious features like massaging front seats, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was spacious, and cargo capacity was generous, with up to 2,764 litres of space available with the second and third rows folded.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated leather seats. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, and the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was slightly less than the Enclave, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres. While storage was plentiful, some design choices, like the placement of the wireless charger, could be improved.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, offering 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 Enclave did offer a unique rear camera mirror, providing a live video feed of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum featured a more advanced infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. Toyota's Driver Easy Speak technology projected the driver's voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror offered an unobstructed view behind the vehicle. The Highlander's infotainment system was well-executed, though the JBL sound system's performance varied depending on music preferences.

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

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure with steering assist. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.