Enclave vs Highlander
Buick brings the Enclave; Toyota answers with the Highlander. Both play in the three-row suv class. The Enclave has the edge in 2 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Highlander wins
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Fuel Economy & Range9.3
- Space & Practicality4.1
- 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 44% more cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 23 cu ft to the Highlander’s 16 cu ft, the Enclave has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Enclave has 63 hp more power
Put simply, the Enclave is far ahead here: 328 hp compared with 265 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Highlander has better fuel economy
The Highlander nudges ahead with 25 mpg, while the Enclave lists 23 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Highlander has room for 8 seats
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Highlander leads with 8 seats to 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
-
The Enclave has 16 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 326 lb-ft on the Enclave, 310 lb-ft on the Highlander. The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
The Highlander has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Enclave pulls well ahead. The Enclave brings 63 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Net result: the Enclave leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Highlander: 265 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Highlander: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Highlander leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Highlander leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The Highlander gives you better fuel economy. The Highlander uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. That makes the Highlander the natural choice for buyers focused on fuel economy & range.
Fuel economy (combined)
Enclave: 23 mpg Highlander: 25 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Enclave: 20 mpg Highlander: 22 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Highlander starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
When it comes to space & practicality, the Enclave is comfortably ahead. Choose the Enclave and you get 44% more cargo space. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. The Highlander takes this one with room for 8 seats. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Enclave has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Highlander: 16 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
Enclave: 7 seats Highlander: 8 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Here the spec sheet speaks in model names and types. Compare the Enclave and the Highlander row by row in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | 25 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 16 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 84.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 194.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 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 cu ft)
- you want more power (328 hp vs 265 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Highlander if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you mostly drive in town (22 mpg vs 20 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (29 mpg vs 27 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Enclave or the Highlander?
For most people, the Enclave is the stronger choice, unless you know that better fuel economy would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Enclave’s and the Highlander’s) so you don’t have to. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 44% more cargo space, and that goes to the Enclave. I also like that the Enclave brings 63 hp more power. The Highlander’s strongest argument is better fuel economy.
The Enclave is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Highlander for people who weigh fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Enclave gets my vote, but the Highlander is the right call if you need better fuel economy, which only the Highlander offers.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.