Enclave vs Grand Cherokee L
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Buick’s Enclave and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee L target the same three-row suv space in different ways. Of the 3 areas we compared, the Enclave wins 2. If one area explains the result, it’s engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Grand Cherokee L wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Space & Practicality1.1
- Off-road & Towing6.8
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 34% more cargo space
If cargo (behind rear seats) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Enclave leads clearly with 23 cu ft to the Grand Cherokee L’s 17.2 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Enclave has 66 lb-ft more torque
The numbers aren’t close. The Enclave lists 326 lb-ft for torque, while the Grand Cherokee L lists 260 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The Enclave has 35 hp more power
On total system output, the Enclave edges out the Grand Cherokee L, 328 hp to 293 hp. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Grand Cherokee L has 1,200 lb more towing capacity
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 6,200 lb against 5,000 lb is a small but genuine lead for the Grand Cherokee L. If you tow regularly, the Grand Cherokee L’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 204.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
This section belongs to the Enclave. In engine & performance, it leads the Grand Cherokee L by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Enclave wins here with 66 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. That makes the Enclave the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Grand Cherokee L: 260 lb-ft The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Grand Cherokee L: 293 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
In this area the Enclave has a lead the Grand Cherokee L can’t close. The Enclave brings 34% more cargo space. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. If space & practicality is your priority, the Enclave is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Grand Cherokee L: 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
Grand Cherokee L leads
The Grand Cherokee L takes off-road & towing by a nose. On the Grand Cherokee L, you get 1,200 lb more towing capacity. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at. On off-road & towing alone, the Grand Cherokee L gets the nod.
Max towing
Enclave: 5,000 lb Grand Cherokee L: 6,200 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
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 | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 293 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (4x4 available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 17.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 84.6 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,200 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 204.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 121.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| 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 haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 17.2 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 293 hp)
Choose the Grand Cherokee L if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,200 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you trust Jeep and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Grand Cherokee L?
For most people, the Enclave is the stronger choice, unless you need 1,200 lb more towing capacity, which only the Grand Cherokee L offers.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Enclave versus the Grand Cherokee L shows that nicely. The Enclave earns my vote first and foremost with 34% more cargo space. I also like that the Enclave brings 66 lb-ft more torque. On the other side, the Grand Cherokee L brings 1,200 lb more towing capacity, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Enclave. If off-road & towing is what you’d miss, go with the Grand Cherokee L.
My pick: the Enclave, with one exception: if having 1,200 lb more towing capacity matters more to you than the rest, go for the Grand Cherokee L.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.