If you're looking for a versatile and spacious SUV, you may be torn between the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. While both vehicles come under the GM umbrella, these three-row family haulers differ. The Enclave, which Buick introduced in 2008, offers an upscale experience, while the Traverse, debuting in 2009, is a more practical choice. These models offer unique exterior styling, interior comfort, tech features, and ride quality, catering to the needs and preferences of different drivers.
Our team at AutoOne Lancaster in Pennsylvania created this guide to the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse to showcase the design elements, safety features, driving dynamics, and value propositions that set them apart and help you make an informed purchase decision.
Exterior Design
The Enclave and Traverse carve out a distinct identity. Buick's offering boasts an attractive front fascia with a winged grille and thin lights. Its sleek contours and polished elements contribute to its sophisticated appearance. In contrast, the Chevrolet exudes a rugged appearance with its increased width and prominent wheel arches. The Traverse Z71 has 18-inch all-terrain blackwall tires and underbody skid plates, perfect for off-roading.
Buick recently refined the Enclave's exterior by adding elegant styling elements, and the Traverse has a modernized front end. The SUVs are similar in size — the Enclave is 204.7 inches long, and its competitor measures 205.9 inches. The Enclave offers unique wheel designs for each trim, ranging from 18 to 20 inches. Chevrolet's selection includes 18- to 22-inch wheels depending on the trim level.
Interior Features
Both cabins surround you in comfort. The Enclave offers plush leather seating and heated front seats as standard, and Buick's QuietTuning technology ensures a quiet ride. Luxurious massaging front seats are available on select trims. The Traverse seats eight passengers across three rows in the base model and seven in the other trims with second-row captain's chairs. It features clever storage solutions, including a large bin in the center console.
These SUVs excel when it comes to cargo capacity. When you fold the second- and third-row seats, the cavernous Buick Enclave has 97.4 cubic feet of space. The Traverse surpasses this with a best-in-class maximum cargo volume of 98 cubic feet. The Enclave features 37.6 inches of headroom, 33.5 inches of legroom, and 57.3 inches of shoulder space in its third row, while third-row passengers in the Traverse enjoy 38.2 inches of headroom, 32.1 inches of legroom, and 57.7 inches of shoulder room.
Both models have Smart Slide second-row seats, providing easy access to the third row. Whether for daily commutes, family drives, or weekend getaways with friends, the Traverse and Enclave will meet your demands.
Performance and Efficiency
These family-friendly SUVs deliver impressive performance. The Enclave's 3.6-liter V-6 produces 310 horsepower, while the Traverse's turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine offers 315 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on both vehicles, but all-wheel drive (AWD) versions are available. The Chevrolet Traverse Z71 has an advanced twin-clutch AWD system, improving traction in challenging conditions.
The Enclave and Traverse offer comparable fuel economy figures. FWD Buick models earn EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the most efficient Traverse trims should get you 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Both vehicles can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
The Buick Enclave can sprint from zero to 60 mph in around 6.6 seconds, and the Traverse clocks in at 6.8 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission in the Chevrolet and a nine-speed version in the Buick ensure smooth power delivery. StabiliTrak, Buick's electronic stability control system with traction control, is standard across the Enclave lineup, and a chassis with real-time damping suspension is available on select trims.
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet and Buick equip their SUVs with advanced technologies. Intersection automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian and bicyclist braking are standard on Traverse models, and most offer lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, rear park assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. All Enclave trims come with automatic emergency braking, front and rear park assist, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and front pedestrian braking. Adaptive cruise control is available on premium Chevrolet and Buick variants.
Buick equips most Enclave trims with a rear camera mirror and a head-up display. Higher models offer a high-definition (HD) rear-vision camera to assist when reversing. All Traverse versions come with HD surround vision. Both SUVs include Teen Driver technology and a rear seat reminder.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the latest Enclave five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. It received the highest rating of Good in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests. In the most recent NHTSA-conducted tests, AWD and FWD Traverse models attained five-star and four-star overall ratings, respectively, and the IIHS gave the SUV mostly Good ratings. OnStar Connected Services capability is standard across both lineups.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Enclave's infotainment system includes an 8-inch diagonal multitouch display, while the luxurious Traverse boasts a massive 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment display. Both offer seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for your convenience. Audiophiles will appreciate the Bose premium audio systems — available on most Traverse and Enclave models — and your back-seat passengers will enjoy the Chevrolet's optional rear-seat system.
The Buick offers built-in Amazon Alexa and the option of three years of Super Cruise connectivity on all trims. Wireless phone charging is available across the Traverse lineup, and all but the base model feature Super Cruise driver-assistance technology. Both SUVs are Wi-Fi hotspot capable.
Price and Value
With a starting MSRP of $43,900, the entry-level Enclave is more expensive than its Chevrolet counterpart, which has a starting MSRP of $40,995. The MSRP for the top-tier Traverse starts at $57,595, and the range-topping Enclave is cheaper, with a starting MSRP of $52,595. While the Buick costs more, it offers additional features. The Chevrolet, however, retains its resale value price better.
These vehicles offer identical protection packages, which include a three-year/36,000-mile basic guarantee and powertrain coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. You also get roadside assistance for five years or 60,000 miles. Chevrolet allows you to extend your coverage at an additional cost, and both automakers provide complimentary maintenance for the first 12 months of ownership.
If you're budget-conscious, the Traverse is a compelling option. It costs less initially and holds its value better. However, you may prefer the Buick if you like upscale amenities.
Find Your Ideal SUV at AutoOne Lancaster
If you're seeking a family-friendly, spacious, and capable SUV, the luxurious Buick Enclave and competitively priced Chevrolet Traverse are strong contenders. At our AutoOne Lancaster dealership, we offer a diverse inventory of pre-owned vehicles, including Traverse and Enclave models. Our staff is on hand to answer questions, schedule test drives, and help you find the vehicle that best suits your needs. Contact us today or stop in. We aim to deliver a seamless car buying experience by offering fair prices, conducting thorough background checks on all vehicles, and providing flexible payment plans.