Over the past couple of decades, the SUV segment has experienced a remarkable transformation. There are so many SUVs on the market that it can be hard to find the right one, especially for families who want a roomy and comfortable everyday car. When it comes to three-row SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse and the Buick Enclave are two excellent options.
The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse may seem cut from the same cloth, but they’re not as identical as one might assume. Even though they have the same chassis and engine, they are very different in other ways. The main difference between them is how they look from the outside.
In this comparison, we’ll delve into the key features of the Chevrolet Traverse and the Buick Enclave, highlighting their respective strengths and helping you determine which one suits your needs best.
Cabin Space
Source: Tarr Chevrolet
The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, sharing the same chassis and body structure, do exhibit some cabin distinctions. Notably, the Enclave exclusively offers captain’s chairs in the second row and a third-row bench, accommodating seven passengers.
In contrast, the Traverse can be fitted with a three-person split bench in the second row, enabling seating for eight. Additionally, there are slight variations in the passenger room.
Following are the cabin specifications of both vehicles.
| Cabin Space | Buick Enclave | Chevrolet Traverse |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 (with available bench seat) |
| Third-Row Seating | Bench | Bench |
| Total Interior Passenger Volume | Varies by trim level, generally around 154–157 cubic feet (4.348–4.448 m³) | Approximately 157–157.3 cubic feet (4.4513–4.4611 m³) |
| Second-Row Seating | Captain’s chairs | Captain’s chairs (standard) or optional 3-person split bench |
| Front Headroom | Varies by trim, typically around 42-42.6 inches (3.5 –3.55 ft) | Around 42.80 inches (3.567 ft) |
| Second-row legroom | Approximately 38.9 inches (3.2417 ft) | Roughly 38.4 inches (3.2 ft) |
| Third-Row Legroom | Roughly 33.5 inches (2.7917 ft) | 33.5 inches (2.7917 ft) |
Engine Specifications
Here are the engine specifications for the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse in detail:
Buick Enclave:
- Engine Option 1:
- Engine Type: 3.6-liter V6
- Horsepower: Approximately 310 hp (231 kW)
- Torque: Around 266 lb-ft (360.79 nm)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel Efficiency (FWD):
- City: Approximately 18–18.5 mpg (12.852-12.577 L/km)
- Highway: About 26-26.5 mpg (9.010-8.873 L/km)
- Fuel Efficiency (AWD):
- City: Approximately 17–17.5 mpg (13.067-12.729 L/100km)
- Highway: About 25–25.5 mpg (9.008-8.872 L/100km)
Chevrolet Traverse:
- Engine
- Engine Type: 3.6-liter V6 with dual exhaust
- Horsepower: Approximately 310 hp (231 kW)
- Torque: About 266 lb-ft (360.79 nm)
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel Efficiency (FWD)
- City: Approximately 18–18.5 mpg (12.577-12.852 L/km)
- Highway: About 27–27.5 mpg (8.617-8.707 L/km)
- Fuel Efficiency (AWD)
- City: Around 17–17.5 mpg (13.587-13.836 L/km)
- Highway: Approximately 25–25.5 mpg (9.331-9.418 L/km)
Powertrain
Source: Baierl Chevrolet
The Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse exhibit several differences, yet their powertrain options are identical. The same driveline, transmission, and engine components power both SUVs.
Buick Enclave: The Buick Enclave is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower (231 kW)and 266 lb-ft (360.79 nm) of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all models come standard with front-wheel drive. However, the Essence, Premier, and Avenir trims offer the option of all-wheel drive.
Chevrolet Traverse: The same 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produces 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360.79 nm)of torque, powers the Chevrolet Traverse. It also employs a nine-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup. The entry-level Traverse L is exclusively available with front-wheel drive, but all other trim levels can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
In summary, both SUVs share identical powertrain components with no variation in performance. The Chevrolet Traverse’s slightly lower weight may give it a marginally more responsive feel due to its better power-to-weight ratio.
Technological Features
Source: Tarr Chevrolet
In the early days of the SUV segment, luxury features were a rarity. However, with the growing popularity of SUVs, vehicles like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse have evolved to become some of the most lavishly equipped on the market. Their ample interior space allows for a generous array of premium features, catering to those who rely on these vehicles for their daily commutes.
Buick Enclave:
- Buick Enclave Preferred includes cloth upholstery for the front seats and second-row captain’s chairs.
- Heated front seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and six-way for the passenger are standard.
- Higher trims like Essence, Premier, and Avenir offer perforated leather upholstery, cooled front seats, and more.
- Various tech features, including an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, 4G LTE WiFi, and Buick Connected Access, enhance the driving experience.
Chevrolet Traverse:
- The Chevrolet Traverse boasts a range of interior options, with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, thanks to the availability of a three-person split bench in the second row.
- Various trim levels offer enhancements like a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a Bose premium 10-speaker audio system, and heated, power-folding exterior mirrors.
- Tech-savvy features include an 8.0-inch driver information centre screen, HD Surround Vision, and a rear camera mirror for added safety and convenience.
- With attention to detail, Chevrolet provides a well-rounded interior with thoughtful features like ample connectivity and advanced audio systems.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency ratings for the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, while very similar, do show a slight distinction due to the Buick’s added weight.
Buick Enclave:
The front-wheel-drive Buick Enclave achieves EPA ratings of 18 mpg (12.378 L/km) in the city, 26 mpg (8.987 L/km) on the highway, and a combined 21 mpg (11.199 L/km). When equipped with all-wheel drive, these numbers decrease to 17 mpg (13.557 L/km) in the city, 25 (9.406 L/km) mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined.
Chevrolet Traverse:
The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Traverse boasts EPA ratings of 18 mpg (12.378 L/km) in the city, 27 mpg on the highway (8.712 L/km) and 21 mpg (11.199 L/km) combined. All-wheel-drive models are rated at 17 mpg (13.557 L/km) in the city, 25 mpg (9.406 L/km) on the highway, and 20 mpg (11.760 L/km) combined.
The Traverse and Enclave provide nearly identical cities and overall fuel economies. However, the lighter Chevrolet gains a slight advantage in highway fuel efficiency, giving it an edge in the MPG comparison. Importantly, opting for all-wheel-drive in either model doesn’t impose a significant fuel economy compromise.
Safety
Families seeking safety in their three-row SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, will find these GM vehicles to be popular choices. Safety is paramount when traveling with loved ones, and both models are well-equipped with a host of standard features.
Buick Enclave:
The Buick Enclave Preferred offers a comprehensive safety package, including frontal and side-impact airbags, head-curtain airbags for all rows, rear park assist, and more. The higher trims, like Essence and Premier, add advanced safety features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, enhancing overall safety. The Avenir trim goes further with the HD Surround Vision system.
Chevrolet Traverse:
The Chevrolet Traverse, in various trims, provides standard safety features such as airbags, electronic stability control, and more. Additionally, the RS, Premier, and High Country models offer advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning, ensuring a secure ride.
In conclusion, both the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave offer a comprehensive set of safety features, with the Buick including more safety enhancements across various trim levels. When fully equipped, both vehicles boast a wide array of modern safety technologies.
Styling
Source: Jim brown chevy buick gmc
In many instances, closely related vehicles like the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse tend to share a striking resemblance, often differing only in logos and grille designs. However, the distinctions between these two models run deeper.
Buick Enclave:
The Buick Enclave presents an elegant front with angular LED-trimmed headlights that gracefully extend along the upper fenders. These headlights connect to the prominent upper grille. A smaller lower grille complements the overall front fascia, with fog lights positioned below the headlights.
The Buick stands out with a roofline that tapers down towards the rear glass, featuring black-painted B- and C-pillars for a floating roofline effect. Chrome accents adorn the vehicle, including the chrome-clad wheels.
Chevrolet Traverse:
The Chevrolet Traverse also incorporates LED-trimmed headlights, but they exhibit a more rectangular shape, not extending as far back as the Buick’s. The Traverse boasts a larger grille, almost spanning the entire front end, with additional lower grille and vent elements housing the fog lights.
A flatter roofline and squared-off rear glass highlight the upward-angled shape of its side profile. The Traverse’s thicker, body-colored C-pillar contributes to a distinct side profile. The Traverse’s luxury models embrace chrome trim, while the RS opts for black trim, delivering a sportier look.
Pricing
The Buick Enclave, being a premium model with a more extensive list of standard and optional features, naturally comes with a higher price tag compared to the Chevrolet Traverse. However, the starting price is $46,195. On the other hand, Chevrolet offers a significantly lower starting price of $35,915.
The Bottom Line
In the three-row SUV market, the choice between the Buick Enclave and the Chevrolet Traverse comes down to personal tastes and preferences. These cars have the same chassis and engine, but they look different and have different interior features and pricing.
The Buick Enclave is a high-end and luxurious car that is perfect for people who want the best comfort and new safety features. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Traverse is a good choice because it is both affordable and functional. It is roomy and comes with immense features. Ultimately, your decision will depend on what matters most to you, whether it’s luxury, value, or a combination of both.
