2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design and premium appearance. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, with its elegant grille and elongated profile. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with more advanced features available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave was a nod to Buick's past grandeur, offering a large, impressive presence. It was the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, with a design that exuded luxury, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir offered a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather seats, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with a massaging function. The Enclave's spaciousness was a highlight, comfortably seating seven passengers with ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, coupled with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an estimated 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano and Passport. Its handling was reliable, offering a typical Toyota driving experience, and it came with a robust hybrid powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension, and it handled various driving conditions with ease. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank. The Enclave's driving dynamics were enhanced by its quiet cabin and responsive steering, though it lacked some advanced driving assistance features.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, including a deep centre console with ample storage and a wireless charging pad. The seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, with more headroom than the RAV4. The Venza provided 816 litres of cargo space, which was sufficient for daily use, though less than some competitors. The rear seats featured quick-flip releases for easy cargo arrangement, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Buick Enclave stood out for its spacious interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. The Avenir trim offered luxurious features like heated and ventilated leather seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a stylish centre console. The Enclave's third-row seating was notably comfortable, and the large rear doors facilitated easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with the seats folded, making it ideal for families and long trips.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, while the XLE and Limited featured a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, though not the most user-friendly, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system as standard. Higher trims included a nine-speaker JBL audio system and dynamic navigation. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and USB ports in all three rows. However, the system's screen size and audio quality were less impressive compared to competitors. The Avenir trim included a 10-speaker Bose sound system and a rear camera mirror, but Buick's short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Venza received high safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were more limited, with advanced systems like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist only available on higher trims. The Avenir trim offered additional safety features through the optional Technology Package. 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 its headlight performance prevented it from earning a Top Safety Pick.