2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave had a design that harkened back to Buick's glory days, offering a large, shiny, and impressive presence. After a challenging period, Buick found its footing by focusing on SUVs, with the Enclave standing out as the largest and most luxurious in its lineup. The Enclave's Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist design with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive over time.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged look with a trapezoidal grille. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight. The interior was unconventional, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition featured light grey fabric seats with a pattern that seemed out of place. While the Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, the Highlander offered practical features like sliding second-row seats and built-in window shades. The third row was less accommodating, suitable mainly for children.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the ride with a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system powered by an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The ride was soft, and the cabin remained quiet on highways. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power, though the engine drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The regenerative braking system worked seamlessly with the physical brakes.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with a massaging function. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, and the cargo space was generous, with up to 97.6 cubic feet available. The interior was designed for comfort, with triple-zone climate control and heated second-row captain’s chairs.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities. The third row was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children. Cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the third row but expanded to 84.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Highlander offered practical storage solutions, including multiple trays and large door pockets.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and the sound system was less impressive compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a standout feature, providing a live video view behind the vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was complemented by a wireless charging pad and remote vehicle monitoring.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package included forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. However, adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were limited to the Avenir trim. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but lacked advanced safety technologies.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excelled in safety, earning a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum trim offered a surround-view camera and adaptive headlights. While the systems generally performed well, some features required fine-tuning for smoother operation.