Enclave vs Telluride
Different logos, same mission. The Enclave and the Telluride both want to be your next car. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The Enclave takes 1 of 4 areas against the Telluride, starting with engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality8.3
- 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 64 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Enclave makes its strongest case: 326 lb-ft against 262 lb-ft. 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 37 hp more power
The Telluride isn’t far behind at 291 hp, but the Enclave’s 328 hp still comes out ahead. 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 9.5% more cargo space
A narrow win for the Enclave. With 23 cu ft to 21 cu ft, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Telluride has room for 8 seats
Close, but not identical: the Telluride lists 8 seats and the Enclave lists 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Enclave dominates the engine & performance section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. In its favor, the Enclave has 64 lb-ft more torque. The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Enclave.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Telluride: 262 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Telluride: 291 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Treat fuel economy & range as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
What you gain in one place you lose in another: 9.5% more cargo space with the Enclave, room for 8 seats with the Telluride. On space & practicality, each car makes a fair case, so let your priorities decide.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Telluride: 21 cu ft The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Telluride: 8 seats The Telluride has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Enclave and the Telluride cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. In short, off-road & towing is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.8L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 291 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 21 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 87 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 78.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| 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 pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 291 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 21 cu ft)
Choose the Telluride if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you trust Kia and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Telluride?
The Enclave wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is room for 8 seats.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Enclave and the Telluride. What tips it for me is that the Enclave has 64 lb-ft more torque. Add 9.5% more cargo space to the list, and the Enclave looks even better. Still, if you care most about room for 8 seats, the Telluride deserves a look.
If you’d rather have strength in engine & performance, go with the Enclave. If passenger space is what you’d miss, go with the Telluride.
My pick: if it were my money, the Enclave, unless you know that room for 8 seats would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.