The Toyota 4Runner has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Enclave doesn't offer knee airbags.

The 4Runner has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Enclave doesn't offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road/Trailhunter/TRD Pro's standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Enclave doesn't offer Hill Descent Control.

Both the 4Runner and the Enclave have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, available four-wheel drive and around view monitors.

The 4Runner's corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Enclave's (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the 4Runner for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Buick doesn't pay scheduled maintenance for the Enclave.

There are over 16 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 4Runner's warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates' 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 2 more problems per 100 vehicles, Buick is ranked third.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports' January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Buick vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Buick is ranked 12th.

The 4Runner's optional 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 139 lbs.-ft. more torque (465 vs. 326) than the Enclave's 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the 4Runner gets better mileage than the Enclave:

Regenerative brakes improve the 4Runner i-FORCE MAX's fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Enclave doesn't offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the 4Runner's brake rotors are larger than those on the Enclave:

The 4Runner's standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Enclave are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the 4Runner has larger tires than the Enclave (265/70R17 vs. 255/55R20).

The 4Runner has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn't interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn't available on the Enclave; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The 4Runner Trailhunter/TRD Pro has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Enclave doesn't offer an active sway bar system.

For greater off-road capability the 4Runner SR5 has a 1.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Enclave (8.1 vs. 6.8 inches), allowing the 4Runner to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The 4Runner Trailhunter/TRD Pro's minimum ground clearance is 3.3 inches higher than on the Enclave (10.1 vs. 6.8 inches).

The 4Runner is 1 foot shorter than the Enclave, making the 4Runner easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the 4Runner. The Enclave doesn't offer locking storage for small valuables.

The 4Runner's rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the liftgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Enclave's rear cargo window doesn't open.

The 4Runner's standard towing capacity is much higher than the Enclave's (6000 vs. 1500 pounds).

The engine in the 4Runner is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Enclave. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The 4Runner's front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Enclave's passenger windows don't close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the 4Runner the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Enclave can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Toyota 4Runner outsold the Buick Enclave by over three to one during 2023.