2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave had a storied past, once known for its big, shiny, and impressive designs. However, during the Malaise Era, Buick's appeal waned significantly. It took years for the brand to recover, surviving mainly due to its popularity in China. By 2021, the Enclave stood as a testament to Buick's resurgence, offering a large, American-made SUV that catered to modern consumer preferences. The Enclave was available in four trims: Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir, with prices ranging from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a touch of luxury with a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir continued the upscale theme with organic forms, minimalist instrumentation, and polished accents. The two-tone interior featured soft, perforated leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The cabin was designed for simplicity, except for the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter, which users quickly adapted to. Overall, the Enclave aimed to blend Buick's historical grandeur with contemporary SUV demands.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, on the other hand, was a fully-loaded model with an MSRP of $42,083, including destination charges. Despite its high price, it didn't visually distinguish itself from rental car lot versions. The RAV4 Hybrid lacked larger wheels and an Adventure trim level, which were available in the non-hybrid version. However, it still managed to look tough for a compact SUV. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, though quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and glossy hard plastics. A notable issue was a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate.

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, allowing for strong acceleration. The Enclave could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The nine-speed automatic transmission performed flawlessly, and the FWD model could momentarily spin its tires before traction control intervened. The Avenir Technology Package, priced at $57,090, included a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and highway-speed automatic emergency braking. The suspension excelled in various driving conditions, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, resulting in standard AWD. The hybrid powertrain generated 219 horsepower, with the front electric motor producing 149 pound-feet of torque and the rear motor generating 89 lb-ft. The RAV4 Hybrid offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. It weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, making it heavier than the standard RAV4. Despite the weight, the instant torque from the electric motors made the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg combined, and it achieved 39.7 mpg during testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and controlled ride, though the tires lacked grip during aggressive cornering.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. It featured Buick's QuietTuning technology, Active Noise Cancellation, and laminated windshield glass for a serene cabin. The Avenir trim included 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The center console provided comfortable storage options, and the Enclave's third-row seat was spacious and accessible. Cargo space measured 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, reclining backrests, and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was user-friendly, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage options included dashboard shelves, a center armrest with cupholders, and door panel bottle holders. The cargo area provided 37.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in some areas. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the screen size, lack of smart home digital assistant integration, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system were areas for improvement. The rear camera mirror was a useful feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and various connected services. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The dynamic voice recognition technology was generally accurate, though it couldn't adjust climate settings. The JBL sound system was satisfactory. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were somewhat limited compared to competitors. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available only on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced emergency braking was available only with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, and advanced driving assistance technologies. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating. The IIHS gave it high marks, except for a Marginal headlight performance rating.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on all but the Hybrid LE trim. Rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid's safety systems were generally effective, though lane-centering assistance and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.