Enclave vs Santa Fe
Buick brings the Enclave; Hyundai answers with the Santa Fe. Both play in the three-row suv class. You won’t find a dramatic mismatch here: the Enclave and the Santa Fe are close on nearly every line that counts.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Enclave wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.5
- Off-road & Towing3.3
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 Enclave has 51 hp more power
The Enclave doesn’t just edge this one; 328 hp against 277 hp is a lead you’ll feel. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Enclave has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
Big gap, real consequences. The Enclave’s 5,000 lb versus the Santa Fe’s 3,500 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.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Santa Fe is outclassed on engine & performance; the Enclave leads by a clear margin. The Enclave brings 51 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the Enclave leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Santa Fe: 277 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Enclave leads
In this area the Enclave has a lead the Santa Fe can’t close. The Enclave answers with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Anyone shopping mainly on off-road & towing should start with the Enclave.
Max towing
Enclave: 5,000 lb Santa Fe: 3,500 lb If you tow regularly, the Enclave’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Enclave and the Santa Fe part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 277 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (winner) | 3,500 lb Lowest towing capacity |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 want more power (328 hp vs 277 hp)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (5,000 lb vs 3,500 lb)
- you already know your way around Buick’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Santa Fe?
On the specs compared here, the Enclave makes more sense for most buyers; the Santa Fe doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Enclave from Buick and the Santa Fe from Hyundai go after the same buyer. Here’s how I see them. I think the Enclave makes its strongest case with 51 hp more power. I’d also count 1,500 lb more towing capacity in the Enclave’s favor.
Who should get which? The Enclave for engine & performance, the Santa Fe for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Enclave.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.