2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The primary financial divergence between the 2025 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Ford Explorer is the MSRP, with the Enclave commanding $45,100 versus the Explorer's $38,330, a difference of $6,770. Performance favors the Enclave, which produces 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Explorer's 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. This power advantage is paired with a slightly lower combined fuel economy rating of 23 MPG for the Buick against the Explorer's 24 MPG. The Buick is significantly larger, measuring 207.6 inches in length versus the Ford's 198.8 inches, which translates directly into superior utility, offering 22.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Explorer’s 16.3 cu ft. While the Explorer utilizes a rear-wheel-drive setup and a 10-speed automatic, the Enclave maintains front-wheel drive paired with an 8-speed transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer offers better long-term running efficiency with a combined MPG of 24 compared to the Enclave's 23 MPG.
2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave offers substantially more room, providing 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft.
2025 Buick Enclave
The Enclave delivers a measurable performance edge with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Explorer's outputs.
2026 Ford Explorer
The 2026 Ford Explorer has a lower entry cost, saving buyers $6,770 relative to the starting MSRP of the 2025 Buick Enclave.
Choose the Buick Enclave if...
- Maximum interior volume is required, evidenced by its 22.9 cu ft of cargo space.
- Superior engine output is a priority, as the Enclave produces 328 hp.
- A slightly longer overall platform (207.6 inches) is desired for road presence.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Achieving the lowest possible initial purchase price is the main goal, starting at $38,330.
- Rear-wheel-drive configuration is preferred over the Enclave's standard front-wheel drive.
- Optimizing highway fuel efficiency is necessary, boasting 29 highway MPG compared to the Enclave's 27 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Buick Enclave | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6" | 198.8" |
| Width | 79.6" | 78.9" |
| Height | 71.0" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 120.9" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 388.0/523.8 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Side View Camera | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 30.0 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.7 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 62.1 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 58.5 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 20 in. | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/55R20 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Buick | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Buick Enclave and 2026 Ford Explorer.
What is the main powertrain difference between the 2025 Enclave and the 2026 Explorer?
The 2025 Buick Enclave outputs 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque from its engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Explorer offers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, utilizing a 10-speed automatic transmission.
How significantly does the cargo capacity vary between these two crossovers?
The Buick Enclave provides 22.9 cu ft of standard cargo volume, which is substantially greater than the 16.3 cu ft offered by the Ford Explorer. This 6.6 cubic foot difference suggests the Enclave better accommodates larger families or significant hauling needs.
Which vehicle has a lower starting MSRP for the base model?
The 2026 Ford Explorer has the more affordable starting MSRP at $38,330. The 2025 Buick Enclave starts $6,770 higher at $45,100.
Do these vehicles share the same drive type and transmission setup?
No, the drive types differ significantly; the Enclave comes standard with front-wheel drive, while the Explorer is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform. Their transmissions also differ, with the Buick using an 8-speed unit and the Ford using a 10-speed unit.
Is there a noticeable difference in fuel economy ratings?
The Ford Explorer maintains a slight edge in efficiency with a combined rating of 24 MPG (20 city/29 highway). The Buick Enclave achieves a combined 23 MPG (20 city/27 highway).
How do the overall exterior dimensions compare?
The 2025 Buick Enclave is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 207.6 inches in length, compared to the 198.8 inches of the 2026 Explorer. The Enclave is also marginally wider and taller.
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