Enclave vs Palisade
Few matchups in the three-row suv class come up as often as the Enclave against the Palisade. The scorecard favors the Enclave, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Palisade wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- 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
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The Enclave has 66 lb-ft more torque
At 326 lb-ft versus 260 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Enclave, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Enclave has 41 hp more power
The Enclave nudges ahead with 328 hp, while the Palisade lists 287 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Enclave has better fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Enclave leads with 23 mpg to 21 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Palisade has room for 8 seats
Only a little separates them: 8 seats on the Palisade, 7 seats on the Enclave. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The Enclave has better highway fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Enclave (27 mpg versus 25 mpg). The Enclave uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 199.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Enclave clearly takes the engine & performance round. On the Enclave, you get 66 lb-ft more torque. The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. On engine & performance alone, the Enclave gets the nod.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Palisade: 260 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Palisade: 287 hp The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Enclave leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Enclave is comfortably ahead. The Enclave delivers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. So if fuel economy & range tops your list, lean toward the Enclave.
Fuel economy (combined)
Enclave: 23 mpg Palisade: 21 mpg The Enclave uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Enclave: 27 mpg Palisade: 25 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
Palisade leads
Call it a small but real win for the Palisade in this area. Point to the Palisade for room for 8 seats. The Palisade has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Palisade.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Palisade: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Enclave and the Palisade each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 287 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg (winner) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 199.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $45,100 Priciest in class | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Enclave if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (326 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 287 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (27 mpg vs 25 mpg)
Choose the Palisade if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you trust Hyundai and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Palisade?
For most people, the Enclave is the stronger choice, unless you value room for 8 seats above everything else.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Enclave and the Palisade. It’s hard to argue with 66 lb-ft more torque, which is exactly what the Enclave brings. Another thing in the Enclave’s favor is better fuel economy. Don’t write off the Palisade entirely: it has room for 8 seats.
I think of the Enclave as the one for engine & performance and the Palisade as the one for space & practicality.
My pick: the Enclave, with one exception: if you’d rather have room for 8 seats on the Palisade, go for the Palisade.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.