Enclave vs Explorer
In the three-row suv class, the Enclave and the Explorer are natural rivals. The spec sheets tell two different stories. The Enclave’s strength is engine & performance; the Explorer’s is fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Explorer wins
- Price Explorer wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Off-road & Towing6.0
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 28 hp more power
The Enclave nudges ahead with 328 hp, while the Explorer lists 300 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Explorer has 600 lb more towing capacity
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Explorer leads with 5,600 lb to 5,000 lb. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Enclave has 16 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 326 lb-ft on the Enclave, 310 lb-ft on the Explorer. The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Explorer has better highway fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Explorer (29 mpg versus 27 mpg). Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Enclave leads, and not by a little. The Enclave adds 28 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the Enclave comes out ahead.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Explorer: 300 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Explorer: 310 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Explorer leads
On fuel economy & range, the difference is modest, and it favors the Explorer. The Explorer steps ahead thanks to better highway fuel economy. The Explorer uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes. That makes the Explorer the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (highway)
Enclave: 27 mpg Explorer: 29 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
In the space & practicality category, the Enclave and the Explorer land in almost the same place. In short, space & practicality is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Off-road & Towing
Explorer leads
This area is close, with the Explorer just ahead of the Enclave. The Explorer answers with 600 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Explorer’s higher rating gives you more margin. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Explorer is the car to pick.
Max towing
Enclave: 5,000 lb Explorer: 5,600 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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 | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,600 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 13.2 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Ford Co-Pilot360 |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 119.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | $40,050 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“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 $5,050 more at launch. On value, it’s close: the Enclave leads in places, and the Explorer answers with $5,050 less to pay.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Enclave if…
- you want more power (328 hp vs 300 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
- you already know your way around Buick’s products
Choose the Explorer if…
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,600 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you want better highway fuel economy (29 mpg vs 27 mpg)
- you’d put the $5,050 saving toward something else
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Explorer?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Enclave if engine & performance matters most, or the Explorer if fuel economy & range does.
Which costs less, the Enclave or the Explorer?
The Explorer is the cheaper option, launching at $5,050 less than the Enclave (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Enclave and the Explorer are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. Honestly, 28 hp more power on the Enclave does a lot of the persuading for me. The Explorer’s strongest argument is 600 lb more towing capacity.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Enclave suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the Explorer suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Enclave for anyone focused on engine & performance, the Explorer for anyone focused on fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.