2025 Honda Pilot vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$40,200 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2026 Buick Enclave often boils down to balancing practicality against premium feel and extra muscle. If saving upfront cash is the priority, the Pilot starts at a competitive $40,200, undercutting the Enclave's $46,200 MSRP by a significant $6,000. However, the Enclave pulls ahead in performance, offering a punchier 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Pilot’s 285 hp and 262 lb-ft. Fuel economy is nearly a wash; both manage 27 MPG highway, though the slightly larger Enclave ekes out a tiny lead in combined efficiency at 23 MPG versus the Pilot's 22 MPG. Size also favors the Enclave, which is nearly 8 inches longer overall, resulting in a superior 22.9 cu ft of standard cargo space compared to the Pilot’s 18.6 cu ft, a clear benefit for larger families needing storage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot wins for commuters due to its lower starting price of $40,200 and marginally better city MPG of 19.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Enclave offers more usable space for families, boasting 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pilot's 18.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Pilot's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Honda Pilot

The Pilot offers a solid utility package while saving buyers $6,000 right off the top compared to the Enclave.

Choose the Honda Pilot if...

You need to keep the initial purchase price low, as the Pilot starts at $40,200.
You prefer the lighter handling characteristics of a slightly smaller overall vehicle (199.9 inches long).
You want the slightly more efficient 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the FWD powertrain for steady highway cruising.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You prioritize sheer power, benefiting from 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
You require maximum interior utility, as the Enclave provides 22.9 cu ft of cargo volume.
You want the premium feel associated with the higher $46,200 starting MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Pilot	Buick Enclave
Length	199.9"	207.6"
Width	78.5"	79.6"
Height	71.0"	71.0"
Wheelbase	113.8"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Buick
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	285 hp @ 6100 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Buick
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/27 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/499.5 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Buick
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	240W	—
Speaker System	7	12
Subwoofer Count	1	1
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Buick
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	58.4 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	2-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Buick
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.8 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.7 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.4 in.	58.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	20 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	20 in.

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Buick
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Buick
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Pilot and 2026 Buick Enclave.

Is the difference in horsepower between the two crossovers significant for daily driving?

Yes, the 2026 Enclave offers 43 extra horsepower (328 hp vs. 285 hp) and significantly more torque (326 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft). While both are adequate, the Enclave will feel noticeably quicker when merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic.

How does the $6,000 price difference impact long-term value?

The Pilot's lower starting MSRP of $40,200 means substantial savings upfront. Even though both use regular unleaded fuel, the Pilot's lower initial cost can offset minor differences in fuel or maintenance over the first few years of ownership.

Which vehicle is physically larger for maneuverability?

The 2026 Enclave is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 207.6 inches long compared to the Pilot's 199.9 inches. While this helps the Enclave gain cargo space, the Pilot might be slightly easier to navigate and park in tight city environments.

Are the fuel economy ratings very different between the Pilot and Enclave?

No, the difference is minimal for everyday use; both achieve 27 MPG on the highway. The Enclave edges out slightly in combined driving at 23 MPG versus the Pilot’s 22 MPG, but either will provide efficient fuel consumption for crossovers this size.

If I have kids, does one offer better storage capacity?

Absolutely; the Enclave is the clear winner for hauling gear, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The 2025 Pilot provides a smaller 18.6 cubic feet in the same configuration.

Do the transmissions affect performance differently?

The Pilot uses a 10-speed automatic, generally tuned for efficiency and smooth shifts, while the Enclave uses an 8-speed paired with its more powerful engine. Both are standard FWD, but the Pilot’s extra gears might aid highway cruising comfort.