Many factors exist when choosing an SUV, including performance, comfort, safety, design, and technology. The Buick Enclave vs Toyota Highlander are two popular midsize SUVs that have earned their reputations for reliable performance, ample space, and cutting-edge features. However, each model caters to different tastes and preferences, making it crucial to compare their key attributes to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll compare the Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander in-depth, examining their performance, interior space, safety features, technology, fuel efficiency, pricing, and more.
Performance and Engine Options
Performance is one of the most crucial factors in any vehicle purchase. The engine options available can significantly affect the driving experience, fuel economy, and overall satisfaction with the car. The Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander offer strong powertrains, but each has advantages.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is designed for those prioritising smooth driving and a comfortable ride. It features a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides sufficient power to accelerate smoothly and handle the daily driving demands of city streets and highways. It’s mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps optimise fuel efficiency while providing a smooth gear shift experience.
In terms of drivetrain, the Buick Enclave offers both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. While the front-wheel-drive version is sufficient for most driving conditions, the all-wheel-drive option provides enhanced stability and traction, particularly useful for driving in challenging weather conditions or rough terrains.
Toyota Highlander
On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander also offers a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine. This powertrain generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than the Buick Enclave, but still provides ample power for everyday driving and longer road trips. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth acceleration and decent fuel efficiency.
The Highlander has both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. In addition to the standard gasoline engine, Toyota offers a hybrid variant of the Highlander. The Highlander Hybrid features a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine combined with electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower. The hybrid version is an attractive choice for buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency, offering a more economical option without compromising too much on power.
Verdict
Both SUVs offer comparable performance in terms of power and engine options. However, the Buick Enclave has a slight edge with its more powerful V6 engine, which provides a higher horsepower output. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid variant, which may appeal to those seeking better fuel efficiency.
Interior Comfort and Space
Comfort and space are two of the most essential considerations when choosing family-friendly vehicles. A car’s interior should provide ample room for passengers and cargo, ensuring everyone on board can comfortably travel.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is known for its spacious and luxurious interior. It can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers with three rows of seating. The second-row seating can be a bench seat or a captain’s chair, depending on the trim level, allowing for flexibility in configuring the cabin. Regarding cargo space, the Enclave offers a generous 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, with even more room when the second and third rows are folded down.
The materials used throughout the Enclave’s interior are premium, with high-quality leather upholstery available on higher trims, soft-touch plastics, and wood accents. The cabin is designed to provide a quiet and comfortable environment, making long journeys a pleasant experience for all passengers. The front seats are also heated and ventilated on higher trims, enhancing comfort.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander also offers a spacious interior, seating up to eight passengers in the base trim and seven in higher trims. The Highlander’s second-row seating can be configured with a bench seat or captain’s chair, providing additional flexibility. The third-row seating, while spacious enough for adults in a pinch, is best suited for children or shorter trips.
The Toyota Highlander offers competitive cargo space, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row. This is slightly less than the Buick Enclave’s, but the Highlander makes up for it with versatile fold-flat seats that can create an expansive cargo area. The interior materials are durable and high-quality, with premium options like leather upholstery and wood trim available on higher trims.
Verdict
The Buick Enclave excels in interior space and comfort. It offers more room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families requiring ample space. While the Toyota Highlander is also a comfortable option, its smaller cargo space and third-row seating might not be as spacious as the Enclave’s.
Safety Features
The Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave comes standard with a host of advanced safety technologies, including:
- Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of a potential collision with a vehicle ahead.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps steer the vehicle back into its lane if necessary.
- Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when reversing.
- Park Assist: Helps with parking by detecting objects in the vehicle’s path.
On higher trims, the Enclave offers additional features like adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and parking sensors.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Alerts the driver and applies the brakes if a collision is imminent.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead while driving.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically adjust the headlights for optimal visibility.
The Toyota Highlander also includes a rearview camera and parking sensors, with additional safety technologies such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims.
Verdict
Both SUVs have a wide range of safety features that prioritise passenger protection. While the Toyota Highlander includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ as standard, the Buick Enclave offers similar features and advanced options on higher trims. Regarding safety, both vehicles provide solid protection, so the choice ultimately comes down to the buyer’s preference for specific features.
Technology and Infotainment
Modern SUVs need to offer a range of technology and entertainment features to keep passengers connected and entertained. The Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander have user-friendly infotainment systems that make long drives more enjoyable.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave has an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offer additional features such as a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a premium sound system, and an in-built navigation system.
The Enclave also offers an optional rear-seat entertainment system, perfect for families with children. This system includes two screens mounted on the backs of the front seats, providing entertainment options on long journeys.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander features a similarly user-friendly infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports. The Highlander also has a standard six-speaker sound system, with higher trims offering an upgraded JBL audio system.
The Highlander also provides entertainment options for passengers with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system similar to the Buick Enclave.
Verdict
Both SUVs offer competitive infotainment features, including smartphone integration and entertainment options. The Toyota Highlander has an edge with its larger standard touchscreen and optional larger display. At the same time, the Buick Enclave offers a slightly more luxurious approach with premium sound options and an optional rear-seat entertainment system.
Fuel Efficiency
With rising fuel costs, fuel efficiency has become an increasingly important consideration for many buyers. SUVs, especially larger ones, are often considered less fuel-efficient, but the Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander offer respectable fuel economy.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave’s fuel economy is relatively competitive for a vehicle of its size. The front-wheel-drive version achieves an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the all-wheel-drive variant is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. These figures are fairly standard for a midsize SUV with a V6 engine.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander excels in fuel efficiency when equipped with a hybrid powertrain. The standard V6 engine in the Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models and 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models. The Highlander Hybrid, however, offers significantly better fuel economy, with ratings of 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models and 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive models.
Verdict
For fuel efficiency, the Toyota Highlander is the clear winner, particularly with the hybrid option. If fuel economy is a key consideration, the Highlander Hybrid is an excellent choice, especially for urban commutes.
Pricing
Cost is always a significant factor when purchasing a new vehicle. The Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander offer a range of trims, making them accessible to various budgets.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is generally priced higher than the Toyota Highlander, with a starting price of around £43,000 for the base trim and going up to approximately £56,000 for the fully loaded model. The higher-end trims, such as the Avenir, offer additional luxury features and premium materials.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a more affordable option, with the base model starting at around £38,000. Higher trims, such as the Platinum, can reach up to £50,000, making the Highlander a slightly more budget-friendly option than the Enclave.
Verdict
The Toyota Highlander offers better value for money, particularly for buyers seeking a more affordable midsize SUV with strong features. The Buick Enclave, while more expensive, provides a more premium experience in terms of interior quality and luxury features.
Conclusion: Buick Enclave vs Toyota Highlander
The Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander are excellent choices in the midsize SUV segment. The Buick Enclave, with its more powerful engine and spacious interior, is ideal for those prioritising comfort, space, and a luxurious driving experience. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander stands out with its superior fuel efficiency, particularly with the hybrid variant, and its lower price point.
Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to individual preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a larger, more luxurious SUV with a strong engine, the Buick Enclave is an excellent option. However, if fuel efficiency and value for money are more important, the Toyota Highlander, especially the hybrid model, is the better choice.