2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive front-end appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone interior with soft leather, although the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The controls were well-organized, but the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet refined design approach. Buick's transition from a sedan-heavy lineup to an SUV-focused portfolio was evident in the Enclave's styling. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior elements, including a new grille, fascias, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim level featured unique styling touches, such as body-coloured lowers and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled centre console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a split sunroof. The Enclave's interior materials were a cut above, with exclusive seat patterns and piping adding visual appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid underwent a significant powertrain change, moving from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an "E-CVT" transmission. This new setup delivered a total output of 243 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency, rated at 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, it sacrificed driving enjoyment. The power was adequate for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride exhibited unwanted body movement, especially on uneven roads. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the SUV provided a comfortable and quiet ride on flat terrain.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered a smooth and responsive driving experience. The Avenir Technology package enhanced the ride with a premium suspension and real-time chassis damping, ensuring a comfortable journey on various terrains. Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology contributed to a serene cabin environment. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain delivered impressive off-the-line acceleration, and the engine produced pleasant sounds under wide-open throttle. The Enclave's AWD system and ground clearance provided confidence for light off-road trails.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it challenging for three adults to sit comfortably. The third-row seat lacked comfort and support, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with both rows down. However, the storage options were not as generous as the previous-generation Highlander, and the placement of the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. The cabin offered ample space for passengers in all three rows, with comfortable seating for six adults. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, and the seats flipped and folded for added versatility. The restyled centre console featured push-button transmission gears, and the flat row of buttons allowed easy access to USB ports and the wireless phone charging pad. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,634 litres with the third row folded, and 2,758 litres with both rows down. Power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The JBL sound system offered powerful audio, but the sound quality varied depending on the music genre. The Highlander also included Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for connectivity. The system's interface was easy to use, although some graphics appeared dated. The Enclave also offered a range of safety and driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure with steering assist. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and more. Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.