2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out in the crowded midsize SUV market with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along its side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The Highlander XSE trim, introduced in 2021, featured a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning, though it was more about appearance than performance. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet refined design, reflecting Buick's shift towards SUVs. The Enclave's mid-cycle refresh brought new styling elements, including a redesigned grille, fascias, and lighting. The Avenir trim stood out with its unique grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a spacious cabin with upgraded materials and a restyled centre console featuring push-button gears. The Avenir trim added climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs, enhancing comfort. The Enclave's interior was roomy, accommodating six adults comfortably, and its cargo space was generous, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and reliable performance, suitable for everyday driving. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it lagged behind the Ford Explorer ST. The Highlander's suspension prioritized comfort, with the XSE trim offering slightly sportier handling.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The Enclave impressed with its smooth and quiet ride, thanks to the Avenir Technology package's premium suspension and noise-cancellation technology. Despite its size, the Enclave delivered responsive acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. While not designed for off-roading, its AWD and ground clearance made it capable of handling light trails and winter conditions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered practical interior features, including shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row was suitable for adults with some compromise on legroom. Cargo space was decent, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured power-adjustable front seats, tri-zone climate control, and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's cabin was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably. Its cargo capacity was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The restyled centre console and push-button transmission added convenience, though the potential for spills on the electronic shifter was a concern.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a JBL audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims added navigation. The infotainment system supported up to 10 devices, with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The 10-speaker Bose audio system on higher trims provided superior sound quality. The Enclave also offered advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package as standard, offering automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. Premium trims added enhanced safety features. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.