Buick Enclave vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Delivers Luxury and Practicality?

If you’re shopping for a comfortable and spacious midsize SUV, the Buick Enclave and Toyota Highlander should both be on your wish list. These three-row family haulers combine luxury features, generous passenger space, and solid practicality. But Which one delivers the best blend? Let’s compare what each midsize SUV brings to the table.

Refined Driving Experience

The Buick Enclave’s strength lies in its smooth, quiet ride and cushioned feel behind the wheel. Its suspension tunes out rough roads and minimizes noise in the cabin. The V6 and nine-speed transmission work seamlessly together for strong acceleration the moment you need it.
Handling errs on the comfortable side rather than sporty.

The Highlander offers a similarly compliant ride, but its four-cylinder engine strains more under acceleration. It won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road, but it might leave you in the dust of quicker SUVs.

Passenger and Cargo Room

Both SUVs provide three rows and seating for up to eight in most configurations. The Highlander hybrid boasts a bit more second-row legroom, while the Enclave counters with more third-row space.

Cargo room behind the rear seats favors the Buick at 23.6 cubic feet vs. 16 cubic feet in the Toyota. Folding the seats down opens up outstanding maximum cargo volume in the Enclave. If you frequently use all three rows, the Buick Enclave is more versatile.

Upscale Cabin Treatments

Loaded Buick Enclaves and Toyota Highlanders feature upscale touches like leather and simulated wood trim. The Buick offers a more consistently premium ambiance, especially in top Avenir trim. Materials look and feel richer throughout the cabin compared to some hard plastics in the Toyota. Both SUVs provide the latest tech and amenities, but the overall quality and luxury impression lean toward the Enclave.

Confidence-Inspiring Safety

You can’t go wrong with either model when it comes to protecting passengers. The Highlander and Enclave earned top safety scores in crash testing, and both come standard with comprehensive driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking.

Toyota does have the edge in collision avoidance tech, while Buick counters with more available parking sensors. Overall, you’ll drive with confidence and peace of mind regardless of which four-door SUV you bring home.

Buick Enclave vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Midsize SUV Is Best for You?

For the optimum blend of interior luxury, generous passenger room, maximum cargo flexibility, and a smooth, quiet driving demeanor, the Buick Enclave is the clear pick. It brings a touch more refinement, space, and versatility to satisfy both families and discerning drivers. The Highlander is still very appealing for its value, fuel efficiency, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.

If you’re still not sure which SUV is for you, visit your local auto dealer and give each one a test drive. While you might enjoy getting behind the wheel of both rides, you’ll find that the Buick Enclave’s slew of features makes it the smart buy. Stop by Ray Skillman Southside Buick GMC and explore this sweet ride today.