2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave represented a return to form for the brand, harking back to its glory days with a large, impressive SUV. After a challenging period, Buick found stability by offering globally-sourced vehicles, but it was the American-made Enclave that truly connected with consumers. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its premium appearance, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir offered a luxurious feel with soft leather and polished accents, although the wood trim was not genuine. The interior was simple and elegant, aside from a slightly tricky electronic transmission shifter.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had a distinctive design that required some getting used to. Its bold front end and floating roof design gave it a unique look, though it could appear overwhelming with its flared panels. The Highlander Hybrid was available in several trims, with the Limited and Platinum offering more premium features. The interior was upscale, especially with the two-tone leather in higher trims, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and reflective screen could be distracting. Despite these quirks, the Highlander Hybrid's design aimed to remain distinctive on the road.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Enclave's performance was robust, with strong acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension. It had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. The Enclave's handling was impressive for its size, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride across various terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The hybrid system was efficient, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less thrilling, with adequate power but a strained engine sound during acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride could be unsettled on uneven roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing economy over excitement.

The Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its interior was designed for comfort, with features like massaging front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Enclave provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin was quiet and serene, thanks to Buick’s QuietTuning technology.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt cramped for three adults. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was smaller than the Enclave's, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet. The Highlander Hybrid's interior storage was practical but not as generous as previous models.

The Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, it lacked advanced features like smart home integration and had a smaller 8-inch touchscreen. The Avenir trim offered a premium sound system and a rear camera mirror, but the technology package required additional subscriptions.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. It offered connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. The Highlander also featured Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror for enhanced convenience.

The Buick Enclave offered essential safety features but restricted advanced systems to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, but adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included advanced driver-assist technologies like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.