Enclave vs Ascent
For three-row suv shoppers, the Enclave from Buick and the Ascent from Subaru are two of the obvious candidates. Look at the scorecard and the Enclave stands out, ahead in 1 of 4 areas. The engine & performance numbers explain a lot of that.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Ascent wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.3
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- 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
-
The Enclave has 68 hp more power
On total system output, the Enclave posts 328 hp against 260 hp for the Ascent, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Enclave has 49 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 326 lb-ft for the Enclave versus 277 lb-ft for the Ascent. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Ascent has room for 8 seats
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The Ascent’s 8 seats beats the Enclave’s 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Enclave has
The Ascent lists less (113.8 in) and the Enclave more (120.9 in). It’s a preference, not a verdict. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Enclave is the stronger of the two. The Enclave has the edge with 68 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. In short, the Enclave is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Ascent: 260 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Ascent: 277 lb-ft The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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. So fuel economy & range is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Space & Practicality
Ascent leads
By a small margin, the Ascent is the stronger of the two in this area. The Ascent answers with room for 8 seats. The Ascent has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. If space & practicality is your priority, the Ascent is the car to pick.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Ascent: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The Enclave and the Ascent match each other closely in this area. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Enclave and the Ascent row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 260 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 19.3 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 113.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 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 merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (328 hp vs 260 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 277 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Buick and happy with it
Choose the Ascent if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Subaru does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Ascent?
We’d point most buyers to the Enclave. The main exception is if you care more about room for 8 seats than anything else.
Executive Summary
The Enclave against the Ascent: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. I’d put 68 hp more power at the top of the list, and it belongs to the Enclave. On the other side, the Ascent brings room for 8 seats, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Who should get which? The Enclave for engine & performance, the Ascent for space & practicality.
My pick: the Enclave. The Ascent only comes out ahead if what you want most is room for 8 seats.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.