Enclave vs Pilot
Two brands, one target. The Enclave from Buick and the Pilot from Honda compete head to head for three-row suv shoppers. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Enclave takes 3 of 4 areas against the Pilot, starting with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price Pilot wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- 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
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The Enclave has 24% more cargo space
The Enclave doesn’t just edge this one; 23 cu ft against 18.6 cu ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Enclave has 43 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The Enclave’s 328 hp versus the Pilot’s 285 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Enclave has 64 lb-ft more torque
The Pilot is clearly behind on torque (262 lb-ft against 326 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.
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The Pilot has room for 8 seats
The gap on seats is slim (8 seats against 7 seats), yet it tips toward the Pilot. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Enclave has
The Enclave and the Pilot differ on wheelbase (120.9 in vs 113.8 in), and this is one to judge by personal preference. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Enclave wins the engine & performance section decisively. The Enclave comes with 43 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Enclave is where you should land.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Pilot: 285 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Pilot: 262 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Enclave leads
By a small margin, the Enclave is the stronger of the two in this area. The Enclave gives you better city fuel economy. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Enclave has the better rating here. Net result: the Enclave leads this part of the comparison.
Fuel economy (city)
Enclave: 20 mpg Pilot: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Enclave starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Enclave leads the space & practicality section with room to spare. The Enclave adds 24% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Choose the Pilot and you get room for 8 seats. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Enclave.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Pilot: 18.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Pilot: 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
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The Enclave and the Pilot differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 285 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 18.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Honda Sensing |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 200.1 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.5 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 71 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Pilot |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | $42,395 (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
In launch price, the two are close: the Pilot came in $2,705 lower. The Enclave asks for $2,705 more and delivers 24% more cargo space and 43 hp more power in return.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked launch. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Enclave if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 18.6 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 285 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (20 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
Choose the Pilot if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’d put the $2,705 saving toward something else
- you already know your way around Honda’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Pilot?
For most people, the Enclave is the stronger choice, unless you know that room for 8 seats would make a real difference in your routine.
Which costs less, the Enclave or the Pilot?
The Pilot is the cheaper option, launching at $2,705 less than the Enclave (launch prices as of launch).
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Enclave versus the Pilot is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. What I like most about the Enclave here is 24% more cargo space. There’s a bonus as well: the Enclave has 43 hp more power. I don’t want to sell the Pilot short, though: it has room for 8 seats.
Put simply, the Enclave suits people who care about engine & performance, while the Pilot suits people who put passenger space first.
My pick: the Enclave, and I’d only look at the Pilot if you’d rather have room for 8 seats on the Pilot.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.