Toyota Highlander Vs Buick Enclave: The Battle Of The Premium Suvs – Which One Rules The Road?

The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave stand as two prominent players in the competitive three-row SUV segment, each offering a distinct blend of features, performance, and style. Whether you’re a family seeking spaciousness and versatility or an adventure enthusiast craving a capable companion, these SUVs promise an exhilarating driving experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Toyota Highlander against the Buick Enclave, evaluating their key aspects to determine which SUV emerges victorious.

Performance and Efficiency: A Tale of Power and Fuel Economy

Under the hood, the Toyota Highlander boasts a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating a commendable 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers a smooth and responsive ride, effortlessly tackling daily commutes and highway journeys. The Highlander’s impressive performance is complemented by its fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The Buick Enclave counters with a more potent 3.6-liter V6 engine, churning out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave’s powertrain offers a refined and composed driving experience, navigating urban streets and open roads with equal aplomb. However, this additional power comes at a slight cost to fuel economy, with the Enclave returning an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort: Embracing Spaciousness and Luxury

The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave excel in providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. Both SUVs offer three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight occupants in comfort. The Highlander’s cabin is designed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The Enclave, on the other hand, pampers its occupants with a luxurious and well-appointed interior, boasting premium materials and advanced technology features.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Highlander offers a generous 16.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to a cavernous 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. The Enclave provides a slightly larger cargo area, offering 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Prioritizing Peace of Mind

The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave prioritize safety, equipping drivers with an array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance peace of mind on the road. The Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of features including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Enclave responds with Buick Driver Confidence Plus, offering similar safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.

Both SUVs have earned impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating their commitment to occupant protection.

Technology and Connectivity: Embracing the Digital Age

The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave embrace the digital age, integrating advanced technology features to keep drivers connected and entertained. The Highlander boasts an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Enclave elevates the infotainment experience with a larger 10-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a premium Bose audio system.

Off-Road Capability: Exploring Uncharted Territories

While both the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave are primarily designed for on-road driving, the Highlander offers an optional all-wheel drive system with multi-terrain select, providing enhanced traction and control in challenging conditions. The Enclave, however, is exclusively available with front-wheel drive, limiting its off-road capabilities.

Pricing and Trims: Tailoring to Diverse Budgets and Needs

The Toyota Highlander offers a range of trim levels to suit diverse budgets and preferences, starting at an MSRP of $35,855 for the base L trim and climbing to $50,465 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim. The Buick Enclave, on the other hand, has a slightly higher starting price of $43,995 for the Preferred trim, extending to $58,395 for the top-tier Avenir trim.

The Bottom Line: Unveiling the Ultimate Three-Row SUV Champion

After meticulously comparing the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave across various aspects, the Highlander emerges as the victor, showcasing a compelling blend of performance, efficiency, interior space, and technology. Its robust powertrain, impressive fuel economy, spacious and comfortable cabin, and advanced safety features make it an ideal choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. While the Buick Enclave offers a luxurious and well-equipped interior, its higher price tag and limited off-road capabilities may deter some buyers. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional three-row SUVs depends on individual preferences, budget, and intended usage.

What You Need to Know

Q1: Which SUV offers better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or Buick Enclave?

A1: The Toyota Highlander delivers superior fuel economy, achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, compared to the Buick Enclave‘s 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Q2: Does the Toyota Highlander have more cargo space than the Buick Enclave?

A2: The Toyota Highlander offers a slightly smaller cargo area behind the third row, with 16.1 cubic feet compared to the Buick Enclave’s 23.6 cubic feet. However, the Highlander provides a larger maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down, compared to the Enclave’s 97.6 cubic feet.

Q3: Which SUV has more advanced safety features, the Toyota Highlander or Buick Enclave?

A3: Both the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave offer comprehensive suites of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). However, the Highlander’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system includes additional features such as lane departure alert and automatic emergency braking, which are not available on the Enclave’s Buick Driver Confidence Plus system.