The Buick Enclave vs Buick Encore

A new SUV from Buick can help elevate your commute, whether you cross the Potomac River or head north into Washington, D.C. Buick offers several quality SUVs from which to choose, like the Enclave and the Encore. Both vehicles have numerous features that appeal to different drivers. However, sorting through the features and benefits of both takes time. That’s why we created this head-to-head comparison of the Buick Enclave and the Buick Encore. After reading the highlights of both SUVs, you’ll have the answers you need to make an informed decision that makes sense for you.

Buick Enclave Overview

This seven-passenger SUV has features the whole family will love. It features a stylish modern exterior, all the comfort and convenience amenities you crave, and powerful performance options to get you where you need to go, no matter the road and weather.

Buick Enclave Trim Highlights

The Buick Enclave comes in four available trims — Preferred, Essence, Premier, and Avenir. Each trim has subtle differences yet remains unmistakably Buick Enclave. The base model Preferred comes nicely equipped with a 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 engine that has the power you want without sacrificing economy. 

Preferred models have Buick’s Quiet Tuning Technology that helps keep unwanted engine and road noise out, letting you enjoy your ride in quiet solitude or listening to your favorite music on the premium sound system. Other premium touches like the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the Buick Infotainment system with a color touchscreen with HD Audio add style and convenience.

The Essence trim adds leather-appointed seats to the first and second rows. You also get the Lane Change Alert with Blind Side Zone Alert and the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert driver-assist systems. Other technology includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Now you can access your favorite apps, stream your playlists, get navigation information, make calls, and more, using intuitive voice commands.

Moving to the Premier trim, you’ll find an upgraded Bose premium audio system with ten speakers expertly placed to immerse you in theater-quality sound. The front seats come standard with ventilation and a massaging function to help you relax and stay comfortable on your drive. Third-row seats power-fold, opening up additional cargo space, plus you get the Automatic Emergency Braking driver-assist system. 

Buick gave the Avenir trim some unique exterior details like a signature grille and a power moonroof with a rear fixed skylight that opens up the cabin to all the light and air. Technology upgrades include a wireless phone charger and the new rear vision mirror camera that projects a broader angle from behind your Enclave right onto your rearview mirror. You also get the HD Surround Vision feature that gives you a bird’s eye view around your Enclave.

Enclave Performance

A switchable all-wheel-drive (AWD) system engages automatically when it senses wheel slippage. It continuously monitors each wheel and distributes power to the wheel or wheels with the most traction to help you through nasty weather and slippery surfaces. In dry conditions, the AWD system improves acceleration and cornering ability.

You can equip the mid-size Enclave with the Trailering Package that includes the wiring harness and hitch. To help guide your hitch to the trailer, the convenient Hitch Guidance system sends a live feed with grid lines to your infotainment screen.

Buick Encore Overview

This five-passenger SUV makes perfect sense for smaller families and drivers looking for SUV performance and the agility to maneuver. In addition, Buick uses many of the same premium features on the Encore as they do on the Enclave, so you’ll be comfortable and connected wherever your busy life takes you.

Buick Encore Trim Highlights

You have two trim options with the Encore, the Preferred, and the GX. The Preferred trim comes standard with features like keyless open and start and Buick Quiet Tuning Technology. Standard premium LED lighting for the headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights illuminate the road as you roll on stylish 18-inch aluminum wheels with Technical Gray pockets. Buick makes the power moonroof available as an option.

The Encore uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers surprising responsiveness to go with an exceptional economy. You can choose the capable front-wheel-drive platform or opt for the AWD. With AWD, you get the same intelligent system that distributes power to the wheels that can use it most, keeping you moving even when the surface gets challenging. The AWD system works with Buick’s Stabilitrak, an electronically controlled stability control system.

Buick offers two competent engines to power the agile GX trim. This small SUV was engineered to handle the hustle and bustle of city driving while still providing the capability you want from an SUV. You can get the GX in all-wheel-drive or stick to the front-wheel-drive version. Stabilitrak comes standard with both drive options.

Technology on the GX includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Buick’s Infotainment system with a color touchscreen, and an available Head-Up Display that projects critical driving data to the windshield. You can add other intelligent features like the rearview camera mirror, a wireless smartphone charging station, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot.

Buick makes available premium options like leather-appointed seats with heating and ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat folds flat to give you over 50 cubic feet of cargo space. Its 60/40 split/fold function gives you multiple cargo configurations, and the front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate larger objects.

At Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we understand what drivers want in an SUV. That’s why we stock an expansive inventory of Enclave and Encore models. When choosing between the Encore and the Enclave, we know it often comes down to personal preference. So we invite you to browse our inventory online or stop by for a more hands-on experience. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will show you all the features of both models and let you take them for a test drive.

A Dealership You Can Trust

At Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we want your car buying experience to be one you not only enjoy, but one you’ll want to repeat and recommend to friends. We will take the time to understand your needs and budget and offer you the vehicle that makes the most sense for your situation. We also pay top dollar for your trade, and we’ll even buy your old car whether or not you buy a new vehicle from us. You can use our online vehicle evaluation tool to get a real cash offer in minutes.

Image via Buick Pressroom

Tags: Buick Enclave, Buick Encore
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