Enclave vs CX-90
Put the Enclave next to the CX-90 and you have Buick and Mazda going after exactly the same three-row suv crowd. The Enclave wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range CX-90 wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance6.0
- Fuel Economy & Range9.6
- Space & Practicality4.0
- 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 45% more cargo space
Few buyers will miss this one. The Enclave brings 23 cu ft to the table; the CX-90 brings 15.9 cu ft. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Enclave has 48 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the Enclave wins comfortably with 328 hp against 280 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The CX-90 has better fuel economy
A modest but measurable lead goes to the CX-90: 25 mpg compared with 23 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The CX-90 has room for 8 seats
The CX-90 is slightly stronger on seats. The gap, 8 seats versus 7 seats, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The CX-90 has better city fuel economy
It’s a lopsided result (24 mpg for the CX-90, 20 mpg for the Enclave) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the CX-90 starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Enclave is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Enclave wins here with 48 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Enclave is the safer choice.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp CX-90: 280 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
CX-90 leads
The fuel economy & range comparison is one-sided. The CX-90 leads where it counts. On the CX-90, you get 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 CX-90.
Fuel economy (combined)
Enclave: 23 mpg CX-90: 25 mpg The CX-90 uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Enclave: 20 mpg CX-90: 24 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
In this area the Enclave has a lead the CX-90 can’t close. On its side, the Enclave has 45% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. The CX-90 brings room for 8 seats. On space & practicality alone, the Enclave gets the nod.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft CX-90: 15.9 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats CX-90: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. 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 | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Mild hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.3L turbo inline-6 (48V mild hybrid) |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 280 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 24 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 15.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 75.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 201.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 122.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | CX-90 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 cargo space behind the rear seats (23 cu ft vs 15.9 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 280 hp)
- you’re loyal to Buick and happy with it
Choose the CX-90 if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (25 mpg vs 23 mpg combined)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you mostly drive in town (24 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the CX-90?
The Enclave makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you care more about better fuel economy than anything else.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Enclave’s and the CX-90’s) so you don’t have to. What I like most about the Enclave here is 45% more cargo space. The Enclave also scores with 48 hp more power. I’ll admit the CX-90 has a point with better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize engine & performance will be happier with the Enclave, and those who prioritize fuel economy & range with the CX-90.
My pick: the Enclave. I’d only go for the CX-90 if you’d trade the rest for better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.