2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and polarizing design, which over time became more familiar on the roads. Its distinctive blunt and bulbous nose, along with black windshield pillars, gave it a unique floating roof appearance. Despite its swollen haunches and cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, the Highlander Hybrid's design was expected to become more subdued with time. The interior offered a two-tone look with soft leather in higher trims, though some elements like the instrument-panel shroud felt cheap. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was prone to reflections, and the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet refreshed design. With a new grille, fascias, and lighting, it maintained a sophisticated appearance. The Avenir trim featured unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Enclave's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on luxury and practicality, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially on hilly terrain where the engine sounded strained. The steering was lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency, providing small-car economy in a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. It delivered a smooth and responsive ride, aided by the Avenir Technology package's premium suspension. The Enclave handled various terrains with ease, offering a quiet and serene cabin experience. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was surprisingly responsive, and the engine produced pleasant sounds under acceleration.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third row was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was decent, with 84.3 cubic feet available with seats folded, though storage solutions were limited.

The 2022 Buick Enclave provided easy ingress and egress, with excellent visibility. It featured power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and massage in higher trims. The spacious cabin accommodated six adults comfortably, with easy access to the third row. Cargo space was generous, with 97.4 cubic feet available with seats folded. The restyled center console and push-button transmission added convenience, though potential spills near the electronic shifter were a concern.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Limited trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen with JBL audio and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the sound system's quality varied. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims added navigation and a Bose audio system. The infotainment system supported multiple devices and included a WiFi hotspot. Safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display were standard on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made the Driver Confidence Plus package standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Premium trims added enhanced safety features. The Enclave received a four-star rollover rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" in the updated side-impact test.