2021 Toyota RAV4 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 offered a blend of American-made luxury and modern SUV appeal. Its design was both impressive and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's simplicity and luxury made it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a more rugged and practical aesthetic. Despite its fully loaded status, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD appeared similar to rental car versions, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's styling was tough yet understated, with a need for bolder wheels to match its exterior. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was functional and stylish, with a mix of quality materials and some hard plastics. The interior was practical, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls, though the rear seat felt slightly low. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a balance of style and practicality, appealing to those seeking a reliable and efficient SUV.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth and composed, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping. During testing, the Enclave averaged 11.1 L/100 km in fuel efficiency with front-wheel drive, offering a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank. The Enclave's handling was impressive for its size, with a nine-speed automatic transmission that shifted seamlessly.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively during acceleration. Despite its heavier weight compared to the standard RAV4, the hybrid's fuel efficiency was impressive, averaging 5.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid's continuously variable transmission operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. The SUV's ride and handling were enhanced by a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, though the all-season tires limited grip during spirited driving. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a balanced and efficient driving experience.

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 luxurious amenities, including heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Enclave's interior was designed for comfort, with a stylish centre console and ample storage space. The third-row seat was genuinely useful, providing ample room for passengers, and the cargo area offered 668 litres of space, expanding to 2,764 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided a comfortable and practical interior, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front and rear cushions. The rear seats offered decent legroom and a reclining backrest, though the seat height was slightly low. The RAV4 Hybrid's dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The cargo area was spacious, with 1,059 litres of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded down. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable interior for daily use.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a basic yet functional infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the Enclave's technology fell short in terms of screen size and audio quality compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a premium sound system, but the connected services had short trial periods. Overall, the Enclave's technology was adequate but lacked the sophistication of other premium SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a range of infotainment options, with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier infotainment system featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid's technology was comprehensive and user-friendly, providing a satisfying experience for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trim levels. 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, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, advanced features like adaptive cruise control required additional packages. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The system was generally effective, though the lane-tracing assist could be intrusive. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it a safe choice for families.