Enclave vs Atlas
The Enclave and the Atlas are two different answers to the same three-row suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. The scorecard favors the Enclave, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Enclave wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Enclave wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Fuel Economy & Range4.8
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- 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 59 hp more power
The Atlas is clearly behind on total system output (269 hp against 328 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Enclave has 53 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the Enclave is in a different league: 326 lb-ft, next to 273 lb-ft for the Atlas. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Enclave has 12% more cargo space
It’s a small lead (23 cu ft versus 20.6 cu ft), but it’s real, and it goes to the Enclave. The Enclave’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Enclave leads
This section belongs to the Enclave. In engine & performance, it leads the Atlas by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Enclave wins here with 59 hp more power. The Enclave’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. In short, the Enclave is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Enclave: 328 hp Atlas: 269 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Enclave: 326 lb-ft Atlas: 273 lb-ft The Enclave’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
In the fuel economy & range category, the Enclave and the Atlas land in almost the same place. Net result on fuel economy & range: level.
Space & Practicality
Enclave leads
On space & practicality, the difference is modest, and it favors the Enclave. The Enclave brings 12% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. That makes the Enclave the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Enclave: 23 cu ft Atlas: 20.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. If off-road & towing was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 269 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 273 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 96.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Buick Driver Confidence | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Enclave | Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 power (328 hp vs 269 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 20.6 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Enclave or the Atlas?
On the specs compared here, the Enclave makes more sense for most buyers; the Atlas doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The Enclave against the Atlas: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. It’s hard to argue with 59 hp more power, which is exactly what the Enclave brings. A second point goes to the Enclave for 12% more cargo space.
If engine & performance is your thing, the Enclave fits. If the things a spec sheet can’t capture matters more, the Atlas makes more sense.
My pick: the Enclave.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.