2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when it was introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Critics noted its resemblance to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, especially with its elongated profile and distinctive grille. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment screen, with more advanced features like a 12.3-inch screen and a digital rearview mirror available in higher trims. The Venza Limited, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with its Star Gaze panoramic roof and other premium touches.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave had a more conservative design approach, reflecting Buick's traditional focus on comfort and simplicity. However, over the years, Buick shifted towards a more SUV-centric lineup, with the Enclave being a standout model. The 2022 refresh brought new styling elements, including a redesigned grille and updated fascias. Inside, the Enclave featured a restyled centre console and premium materials, especially in the Avenir trim. The Enclave's spacious interior, with its three rows of seating, provided ample room for passengers, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. 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 impressive 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, outperforming many of its competitors. Its handling was reliable, and the all-wheel-drive system offered confidence on various terrains.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration despite the vehicle's size. The Avenir Technology package enhanced the ride quality with a premium suspension system, ensuring a smooth and quiet experience. The Enclave's towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms was notable, and its AWD system offered versatility for light off-road conditions.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, the cabin offered a unique design with premium appointments, especially in the Limited trim. The centre stack featured capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, and the deep centre console provided ample storage. The Venza's seating was comfortable for both front and rear passengers, though its cargo space was limited compared to some competitors, offering 816 litres with the rear seats up.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, accommodating six adults comfortably across its three rows. The second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats added versatility. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row and up to 2,758 litres with all seats folded. The restyled centre console with push-button transmission gears was a modern touch, though it raised concerns about potential spills affecting the electronic components.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available in higher trims. The Entune system, while functional, was not the most user-friendly. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a welcome addition. The Venza also offered a nine-speaker JBL audio system and various connected services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system allowed pairing of up to 10 devices, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot was a convenient feature. Additional tech included a head-up display and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.

For 2022, the Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety by standardizing the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package across all trims. This included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot warning. The Enclave also received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, though it fell slightly short in the updated side-impact test.