Enclave vs Durango
This is a classic rivalry: the Enclave against the Durango, Buick against Dodge, both in three-row suv territory. There is a favorite. The Durango beats the Enclave in 2 of 3 areas, and engine & performance is its biggest advantage.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Durango wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Durango wins
- Price Durango wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Space & Practicality1.1
- Off-road & Towing10.0
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 Enclave has 34% more cargo space
The Enclave doesn’t just edge this one; 23 cu ft against 17.2 cu ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The Durango has 3,700 lb more towing capacity
Big gap, real consequences. The Durango’s 8,700 lb versus the Enclave’s 5,000 lb changes how the two compare in daily use. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
-
The Durango has 64 lb-ft more torque
The Enclave is clearly behind on torque (326 lb-ft against 390 lb-ft), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Durango has 32 hp more power
The Durango has a modest edge on total system output: 360 hp against 328 hp for the Enclave. The Durango’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Durango leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Durango is comfortably ahead. The Durango brings 64 lb-ft more torque. The Durango’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Durango.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Durango: 390 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Durango: 360 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
The Durango is outclassed on space & practicality; the Enclave leads by a clear margin. The Enclave gives you 34% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. On space & practicality alone, the Enclave gets the nod.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Durango: 17.2 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Durango leads
Here the Durango opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Durango answers with 3,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Durango’s higher rating gives you more margin. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Durango has the edge.
Max towing
Enclave: 5,000 lb Durango: 8,700 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 5.7L V8 (HEMI) |
| Total system output | 328 hp | 360 hp (winner) Most powerful in class |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 17.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 85.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 8,700 lb (winner) Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 75.8 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Durango |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | $42,495 (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 Durango launched for $2,605 less, a gap small enough that the specs should decide. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the Durango does, and it keeps $2,605 in your pocket.
Launch prices in the US as of June 2025; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Enclave if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you prefer staying with Buick
Choose the Durango if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (8,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (390 lb-ft vs 326 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (360 hp vs 328 hp)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($2,605 less)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Durango?
The Durango wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that 34% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the Enclave cheaper than the Durango?
Going by launch prices, the Durango costs $2,605 less than the Enclave. Prices as of June 2025; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Enclave versus the Durango shows that nicely. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 3,700 lb more towing capacity, and that goes to the Durango. On top of that, the Durango adds 64 lb-ft more torque. Fairness check: the Enclave does come with 34% more cargo space.
Match the strength to your habits (space & practicality for the Enclave, engine & performance for the Durango), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: the Durango, though the Enclave makes sense if you need 34% more cargo space, which only the Enclave offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.