When it's time to trade up to a new three-row SUV that blends versatility with a smooth and efficient ride, consider the Buick Enclave vs. Ford Explorer. These two popular midsize SUVs for sale both sport three-row interiors, available leather-trimmed cabins, and impressive capability at competitive prices.
But which of these new three-row SUVs is right for you and your family? Let's take a closer look at these spacious sport-utes to help you determine once and for all which SUV model you'd like to drive home to your family.
We'll review key areas to compare the Buick Enclave to Ford Explorer, including performance, specs, dimensions, trim levels, and pricing. That way, you'll discover which SUV suits your preferences and budget better. Let's get started.
The new Buick Enclave is powered by the automaker's proven and potent 3.6-liter V-6, delivering dependable performance through its 310-horsepower engine. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard on the Enclave, but a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive (AWD) system is available and proves to be a popular choice with motorists.
Its EPA-estimated 18/26 MPG1 (City/Highway with FWD) rating ensures ample efficiency as you navigate city driving or highway cruising.
In the other corner, we have the Ford Explorer and its turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This standard powertrain in the Explorer SUV develops 300 horsepower, so it's not quite as powerful as the Buick Enclave and its 3.6-liter V-6.
Still, what the Ford Explorer's four-cylinder engine lacks in horsepower, it makes up in fuel economy with its admirable EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG2 (City/Highway) rating.
Neither the new Buick Enclave nor the Ford Explorer is engineered to blow you away with their 0-60 mph times. Still, both models can hold their own when merging, passing, or making sudden speed adjustments to navigate tricky traffic safely.
| Buick Enclave | vs. | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| FWD | Drivetrain | RWD |
| 3.6-liter V-6 | Engine | 2.3-liter Turbo I-4 |
| 310 | Horsepower | 300 |
| 7 | Seats | 6-7 |
| 204.8 inches | Length | 198.8 inches |
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Available Interior Features |
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Available Safety Systems |
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| Buick Enclave For Sale | Shop Model |
The Buick Enclave vs. Ford Explorer comparison favors the Buick SUV when it comes time to seat passengers and store cargo. That's because the new Buick Enclave is roomier than the Ford Explorer in just about every way.
With 157.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Buick Enclave outshines the Ford Explorer and its 152.7 cubic feet of space for occupants. Likewise, the Enclave tops the Explorer in standard and maximum cargo capacity.
You'll find 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Buick Enclave SUV's third row and up to 97.4 cubic feet of cargo volume when the middle and back rows of seats are folded.
In the Ford Explorer, there's just 18.2 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity behind its seating and 87.8 cubic feet if you fold the second and third rows.
Seating capacity is another arena where the Buick Enclave shines. This spacious sport-ute comfortably seats up to seven occupants and includes two comfort-focused captain's chairs in the second row. The Ford Explorer comes in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations. But unlike the roomy three-row Buick Enclave, some will find the Ford Explorer's third row is too cramped for frequent use.
If you're looking for a luxuriously appointed three-row SUV, the new Buick Enclave has you covered with its well-equipped trim levels. This competitively priced SUV is offered in the following trims and packages:
Likewise, the Ford Explorer can be had in several editions, also marked by a competitive pricing structure:
You'll notice a price difference if you cross-shop these two SUVs. That's because the Buick Enclave boasts luxury SUV status, even in its base trim. The Ford Explorer requires a substantial upgrade to the upper trim levels to enjoy premium features like the Enclave.
Wilkins Buick GMC invites local SUV shoppers to tour and test drive a new Buick Enclave for sale at our full-service auto dealership. We're confident that once you experience the Enclave in full, you'll forget about other options like the Ford Explorer.
Remember to see the Buick Enclave safety rating and other aspects that make this the three-row SUV to buy or lease.
The new Buick Enclave for sale is bigger than the Ford Explorer. The new Enclave SUV measures 204.8 inches in length compared to the Explorer at 198.8 inches long. Inside, the Buick Enclave boasts 157.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is significantly more than the Ford Explorer and its 152.7 cubic feet. Cargo space also tips in the Buick Enclave's favor. Find a spacious Enclave SUV at Wilkins Buick GMC.
The new Buick Enclave SUV offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity and the Ford Explorer a 5,300-pound towing capacity when these two SUVs are properly equipped with the right tools for the job. While the Ford Explorer SUV can tow slightly more than the Buick Enclave, you likely won't notice any difference in towing performance or capability between these sport-utes. Both of these new three-row SUV models inspire confidence when trailering.
The new Buick Enclave offers up to an EPA-estimated 18/26 MPG1 (City/Highway with FWD) rating, while the Ford Explorer SUV reaches an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG2 (City/Highway). However, the Buick Enclave SUV's standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine is more powerful than the standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Ford Explorer. Schedule a test drive of a new Enclave SUV at our Buick dealership to experience its efficient performance.
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1EPA estimated MPG 18 city, 26 highway 3.6L engine FWD.
2EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
