Buick Encore and Enclave: Two Very Different SUVs
The Buick Encore and Enclave share a brand and a name, but they target different buyers. The Encore is a compact crossover built for city commuting and easy parking, while the Enclave is a three-row full-size SUV designed for larger families and road trips. Choosing between them depends on how you use your vehicle, how many passengers you carry, and what kind of driving experience you prefer.
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Size and Dimensions
The difference in size is the most immediate distinction. The Encore measures roughly 170 inches long, while the Enclave stretches past 204 inches. That extra length gives the Enclave a much larger cargo footprint and the ability to seat seven or eight passengers across three rows. The Encore seats five and offers a more nimble footprint for tighter parking spaces and urban streets.
Encore Dimensions at a Glance
- Seating: 5 passengers
- Cargo volume: roughly 48 cubic feet behind the rear seats
- Overall length: approximately 170 inches
Enclave Dimensions at a Glance
- Seating: 7 to 8 passengers
- Cargo volume: roughly 83 cubic feet behind the third row
- Overall length: approximately 204 inches
Powertrain and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the two models diverge significantly. The Encore typically pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic, producing around 170 horsepower. It is tuned for efficiency and smooth city driving rather than outright performance. The Enclave uses a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine making roughly 310 horsepower, paired with a nine-speed automatic and available all-wheel drive. That setup gives the Enclave the towing and passing power expected of a larger SUV.
Ride quality reflects these differences. The Encore feels light and responsive in stop-and-go traffic, while the Enclave absorbs highway imperfections with more composure and feels substantial at higher speeds.
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
Inside, both models carry Buick's signature quiet cabin and soft-touch materials, but the Enclave offers more room for second- and third-row passengers. The Encore's rear seat is comfortable for adults on shorter trips, but the Enclave's third row is more practical for regular use. Infotainment features overlap, with both offering touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Enclave typically gets additional driver-assistance and comfort features as standard or available on higher trims.
Price and Value
The Encore enters the lineup at a notably lower price point than the Enclave, making it an accessible entry into the Buick brand. The Enclave commands a higher price due to its larger platform, V6 engine, and three-row capability. Both models hold their value reasonably well within the competitive SUV segment, though the Enclave's resale advantage grows when factoring in its longer potential lifespan with proper maintenance.
Which One Should You Choose
If your daily driving involves commuting, running errands, and occasionally carrying a few passengers, the Encore delivers strong fuel economy and easy maneuverability. If you regularly haul a family, need the third row, or prioritize highway stability and towing capacity, the Enclave is the more capable choice. Test-driving both back to back at a Buick dealership is the best way to feel the difference and decide which vehicle truly fits your life.