Enclave vs EV9
The Enclave and the EV9 sit in the same three-row suv class, but Buick and Kia don’t always agree on what matters most. The EV9 is up against it here: the Enclave wins 2 of the 3 areas on our scorecard, with engine & performance as its standout.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Space & Practicality3.6
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 113 hp more power
Here the Enclave pulls well ahead of the EV9, with 328 hp compared to 215 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Enclave has 68 lb-ft more torque
The Enclave doesn’t just edge this one; 326 lb-ft against 258 lb-ft is a lead you’ll feel. The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Enclave has 14% more cargo space
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Enclave (23 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft). Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Enclave leads, and not by a little. The Enclave pulls ahead with 113 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Enclave.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp EV9: 215 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft EV9: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
It’s a narrow one, but the space & practicality round goes to the Enclave. The Enclave takes this one with 14% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. For anyone who cares most about space & practicality, the Enclave is the safer choice.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft EV9: 20.2 cu ft The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
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 | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 230 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.2 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 81.7 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.4 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 69.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 215 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft of torque)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 20.2 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the EV9?
On the specs compared here, the Enclave makes more sense for most buyers; the EV9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Enclave against the EV9: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. Start with the headline difference (the Enclave has 113 hp more power), and a lot of the decision falls into place. I’d also count 14% more cargo space in the Enclave’s favor.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Enclave, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the EV9.
My pick: the Enclave.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.