2021 Buick Enclave vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its impressive size and American-made craftsmanship. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced vehicles, but it was the Enclave that truly connected the brand to its past. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium styling, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir boasted a luxurious interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The minimalist design and organic forms created a sophisticated atmosphere, marred only by a somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 evolved from its origins as a compact SUV into a mature crossover, leading the sales charts in Canada. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. The RAV4's interior was marked by a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface. The design was cohesive, with a geometric pattern tying together various elements of the cabin. The RAV4's fit and finish reflected Toyota's commitment to quality, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. Its ride was smooth, thanks to a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, and it handled various driving conditions with ease. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains, including a gasoline-only 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive were standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime added electric motors for increased power and efficiency, with the Prime offering up to 68 kilometres of electric-only range. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring on AWD models. Fuel efficiency varied by model, with the gasoline version achieving 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the second row folded.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, provided ample cargo space with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It could tow up to 1,588 kilograms in certain trims. Inside, the RAV4 accommodated four adults comfortably, with a spacious front area and a practical centre console. The second-row bench seat was less roomy but functional for short trips.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it lacked the screen size and audio quality found in competitors. The Avenir trim offered a rear camera mirror and a 10-speaker Bose sound system, but connected services required subscriptions after short trial periods.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, with a 9-inch screen and JBL audio system available on higher trims. The RAV4 Prime included advanced tech like a head-up display and wireless charging. Navigation was optional, reflecting the shift towards smartphone-based systems.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered basic safety features, but advanced systems were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but lacked some modern driver assistance technologies.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard in Canada. The RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.