Enclave vs Pathfinder
Both the Enclave and the Pathfinder sit in the three-row suv class, and Buick and Nissan are clearly watching each other. Of the 4 areas we compared, the Enclave wins 2. If one area explains the result, it’s engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Pathfinder wins
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.8
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality4.6
- Off-road & Towing6.5
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 39% more cargo space
The Pathfinder gives up a lot on cargo (behind rear seats): 16.6 cu ft, compared with 23 cu ft on the Enclave. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Enclave has 44 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Enclave brings 328 hp to the table; the Pathfinder brings 284 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Enclave has 67 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Enclave wins comfortably with 326 lb-ft against 259 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 Pathfinder has room for 8 seats
Close, but not identical: the Pathfinder lists 8 seats and the Enclave lists 7 seats. The Pathfinder has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Pathfinder has 1,000 lb more towing capacity
The gap on max towing is slim (6,000 lb against 5,000 lb), yet it tips toward the Pathfinder. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
Here the Enclave opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Enclave scores with 44 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Anyone shopping mainly on engine & performance should start with the Enclave.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Pathfinder: 284 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Pathfinder: 259 lb-ft The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on fuel economy & range. The takeaway: fuel economy & range is not where these two differ.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
For space & practicality, the verdict is easy: the Enclave leads, and not by a little. The Enclave answers with 39% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. The Pathfinder steps ahead thanks to room for 8 seats. For space & practicality, the Enclave is the one to beat.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Pathfinder: 16.6 cu ft The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Pathfinder: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Pathfinder leads
It’s a narrow one, but the off-road & towing round goes to the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder stands out with 1,000 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Pathfinder’s higher rating gives you more margin. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Pathfinder.
Max towing
Enclave: 5,000 lb Pathfinder: 6,000 lb A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Enclave and the Pathfinder each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 284 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 16.6 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 7.10 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 6,000 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 197.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 114.2 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 4,325 lb |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| 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 16.6 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 284 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 259 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Pathfinder if…
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you want the higher towing capacity (6,000 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you prefer staying with Nissan
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Pathfinder?
We’d point most buyers to the Enclave. The main exception is if you specifically want room for 8 seats, where the Pathfinder has the edge.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy Buick or Nissan. I only care that you end up with the right one of the Enclave and the Pathfinder. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Enclave brings 39% more cargo space. And if that weren’t enough, the Enclave has 44 hp more power. Where the Pathfinder fights back is room for 8 seats.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or off-road & towing? The first answer means the Enclave, the second means the Pathfinder.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Enclave, unless what you want most is room for 8 seats.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.