Battle Of The Titans: Highlander Vs Buick Enclave – Which Suv Reigns?

When it comes to choosing a reliable three-row SUV, two of the most popular contenders are the Toyota Highlander and the Buick Enclave. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive performance, and a host of features to keep you and your family comfortable and entertained on the road. But how do these two SUVs stack up in terms of reliability? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the reliability ratings, recalls, and common problems associated with the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave to help you make an informed decision.

Toyota Highlander vs Buick Enclave: Reliability Ratings

To assess the reliability of the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave, we’ll turn to the ratings provided by reputable organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

J.D. Power Reliability Ratings

J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) is a widely recognized measure of vehicle reliability. The study evaluates vehicles based on owner-reported problems experienced during the past 12 months. In the 2023 VDS, the Toyota Highlander received an impressive score of 86 out of 100, ranking it among the most dependable midsize SUVs. On the other hand, the Buick Enclave scored slightly lower with a rating of 82 out of 100, still placing it above average in terms of reliability.

Consumer Reports Reliability Ratings

Consumer Reports is another trusted source for vehicle reliability information. The organization’s annual reliability survey gathers data from its subscribers on vehicle problems they’ve encountered. In the 2023 Consumer Reports reliability survey, the Toyota Highlander earned a score of 5 out of 5 for predicted reliability, indicating that it is expected to be highly reliable over the long term. The Buick Enclave, however, received a lower score of 3 out of 5, suggesting that it may experience more problems than the Highlander.

Toyota Highlander vs Buick Enclave: Recalls

Recalls are issued by manufacturers when a vehicle is found to have a safety defect or non-compliance with federal regulations. While recalls can be a sign of potential problems, it’s important to note that not all recalls are created equal. Some recalls may be for minor issues that do not pose a significant safety risk, while others may be more serious and require immediate attention.

Toyota Highlander Recalls

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Toyota Highlander has been subject to a total of 14 recalls since its introduction in 2001. These recalls have addressed various issues, including problems with the fuel system, electrical system, and powertrain. However, it’s worth noting that many of these recalls were issued for earlier model years, and the current-generation Highlander has a relatively clean recall history.

Buick Enclave Recalls

The Buick Enclave has been recalled a total of 12 times since its debut in 2008. Similar to the Highlander, these recalls have covered a range of issues, including problems with the electrical system, powertrain, and steering. Again, it’s important to consider that some of these recalls were for older model years, and the latest Enclave models have a better recall record.

Toyota Highlander vs Buick Enclave: Common Problems

While both the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave are generally reliable vehicles, they have been known to experience certain common problems.

Toyota Highlander Common Problems

Some common problems reported by Toyota Highlander owners include:

• Transmission issues: Some owners have reported problems with the transmission, such as slipping gears or delayed shifting.
• Brake problems: There have been reports of brake issues, including premature wear and pulsation.
• Electrical problems: Electrical problems, such as flickering lights and malfunctioning power windows, have also been reported.

Buick Enclave Common Problems

Common problems experienced by Buick Enclave owners include:

• Engine problems: Some owners have reported issues with the engine, such as oil leaks and excessive oil consumption.
• Transmission problems: Transmission issues, including rough shifting and shuddering, have also been reported.
• Suspension problems: Problems with the suspension, such as worn-out control arms and struts, have been encountered by some owners.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave

When deciding between the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave, there are several factors to consider beyond reliability:

• Price: The Toyota Highlander typically has a lower starting price than the Buick Enclave.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Toyota Highlander offers better fuel efficiency than the Buick Enclave, especially in the hybrid version.
• Features: The Buick Enclave offers more standard features than the Toyota Highlander, including a larger touchscreen display and a Bose audio system.
• Towing Capacity: The Toyota Highlander has a higher towing capacity than the Buick Enclave, making it a better choice for those who need to tow heavy loads.

Which SUV is Right for You: Toyota Highlander or Buick Enclave?

Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize reliability, the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge over the Buick Enclave. However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious and feature-rich SUV, the Buick Enclave may be a better fit.

Beyond Reliability: A Look at Other Aspects of Ownership

In addition to reliability, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave:

• Cost of Ownership: The Toyota Highlander typically has lower ownership costs than the Buick Enclave, thanks to its better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
• Resale Value: The Toyota Highlander typically holds its value better than the Buick Enclave, making it a wiser financial choice in the long run.
• Owner Satisfaction: Both the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave have high owner satisfaction ratings, indicating that owners are generally happy with their vehicles.

Final Note: Making an Informed Decision

The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave are both solid choices for those seeking a reliable and spacious three-row SUV. While the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge in terms of reliability, the Buick Enclave offers more standard features and a more luxurious interior. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Toyota Highlander or the Buick Enclave?

A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Toyota Highlander has a slight edge in terms of safety features, as it offers more standard safety technologies than the Buick Enclave.

Q: Which SUV has a more comfortable ride, the Toyota Highlander or the Buick Enclave?

A: The Buick Enclave generally has a more comfortable ride than the Toyota Highlander, thanks to its softer suspension and quieter cabin. However, the Toyota Highlander offers a more engaging driving experience, especially in the XSE trim level with a sport-tuned suspension.

Q: Which SUV has a better warranty, the Toyota Highlander or the Buick Enclave?

A: The Toyota Highlander and Buick Enclave both offer competitive warranties. The Toyota Highlander comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Buick Enclave has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.