Enclave vs Traverse
Choosing between Buick and Chevrolet often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the three-row suv class, that pair is the Enclave and the Traverse. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the car fits into your day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Traverse wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Traverse has room for 8 seats
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Traverse: 8 seats compared with 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 204 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 120.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
On engine & performance, the Enclave and the Traverse are effectively level. The engine & performance verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the fuel economy & range section; the two are too close to separate. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
On space & practicality, the difference is modest, and it favors the Traverse. The Traverse adds room for 8 seats. The Traverse has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. That makes the Traverse the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Traverse: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 204 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 120.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | $40,700 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The Enclave asked only $4,400 more at launch. On value, the Traverse is the easy call: $4,400 less and ahead on balance.
Based on US launch pricing as of launch. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want more value for your money ($4,400 less at launch)
- you already know your way around Chevrolet’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Traverse?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the Enclave doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which costs less, the Enclave or the Traverse?
At launch, the Traverse undercut the Enclave by $4,400. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Enclave and the Traverse. I just have opinions about the numbers. For me, the deciding factor is that only the Traverse gives you room for 8 seats.
If the things a spec sheet can’t capture is your thing, the Enclave fits. If space & practicality matters more, the Traverse makes more sense.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.