2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a significant step forward for Buick, a brand that had struggled to regain its former glory after a challenging period in automotive history. The Enclave was a testament to Buick's ability to blend its storied past with modern consumer preferences, particularly in the SUV segment. As the largest of Buick's SUV offerings, the Enclave stood out with its impressive size and American-made craftsmanship. Its design was both elegant and commanding, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille pattern, polished 20-inch wheels, and additional brightwork. Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with a minimalist approach to instrumentation, tasteful polished accents, and luxurious leather upholstery, although the wood trim was not genuine. Despite a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, the Enclave's interior was characterized by simplicity and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid took a different approach to design, drawing inspiration from Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck with its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. This gave the Highlander a rugged appearance, although the side profile introduced a softer character line that added visual weight. The rear design echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, resulting in a somewhat disjointed overall look compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that added visual interest and practical storage solutions. The Bronze Edition introduced unique design elements, such as bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, though the latter was prone to dirt and stains. While the Highlander's materials quality lagged behind some rivals, its hybrid powertrain offered a unique selling point in a segment with few hybrid options.

Under the hood of the 2021 Buick Enclave was 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 (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride quality was enhanced by a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, part of the Avenir Technology Package. This setup excelled in various driving conditions, from urban streets to highways, offering a serene and comfortable experience. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the potential to travel over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system, producing a total of 243 horsepower. This powertrain was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and included standard all-wheel drive, utilizing an electric motor to power the rear axle when needed. The Highlander Hybrid's acceleration was slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs, reaching 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid system provided a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, although the CVT's drone was noticeable during more demanding driving scenarios. The Highlander's ride quality was soft yet composed, prioritizing comfort over sporty handling. Its cabin remained quiet on the highway, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six or seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort and quietness, featuring Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass. The Avenir trim included luxurious features such as power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's seven-passenger seating configuration included second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third-row bench seat. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,764 litres with the second row down.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustments, although the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage solutions were plentiful, with various trays and bins for personal items. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added versatility. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for children or smaller adults on short trips. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, offering quick response times, logical menus, and features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were considered modest compared to competitors. The Enclave also offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of what's behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons for convenience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, while higher trims included a wireless charging pad, navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were somewhat limited, with advanced systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist restricted to higher trims. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight performance rating prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, earning a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some systems, like adaptive cruise control, required fine-tuning for smoother operation.