2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Buick Enclave

$40,320 · Crossover

$46,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota Highlander (car1) and the 2026 Buick Enclave (car2) is the $5,880 MSRP difference, starting car1 at $40,320 against car2's $46,200. Power output also shows a notable gap, with the Enclave producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Conversely, the Highlander claims a fuel economy advantage, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. The Enclave compensates with superior physical dimensions, being 12.7 inches longer at 207.6 inches and offering substantially more storage, yielding 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to car1's 16 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and FWD configuration, making the decision hinge primarily on budget, power priority, or maximum utility space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander offers superior fuel efficiency at 25 MPG combined, translating to lower running costs for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Enclave provides significantly more utility with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, an increase of 6.9 cu ft over the Highlander.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave delivers 63 more horsepower (328 hp vs. 265 hp) and greater torque (326 lb-ft vs. 310 lb-ft).

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander presents a lower entry price point at $40,320 while still providing competitive, if lower, power metrics.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Budget is the primary constraint, as the MSRP is $5,880 lower than car2.
Maximizing miles per gallon is crucial, evidenced by its 25 combined MPG rating.
A slightly smaller physical footprint (194.9 inches long) is preferred for urban navigation.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum performance is desired, supported by 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque.
The maximum possible cargo space is necessary, with 22.9 cu ft available.
A physically larger vehicle is preferred, as the Enclave measures 207.6 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Buick Enclave
Length	194.9"	207.6"
Width	76.0"	79.6"
Height	68.1"	71.0"
Wheelbase	112.2"	120.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Buick
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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	326 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	Toyota	Buick
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/29 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	19.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	30.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	62.2 in.
Front Hip Room	57.2 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Buick
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.7 in.	62.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.0 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	Toyota	Buick
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	20 in.
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	P255/55R20
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2026 Buick Enclave.

What is the primary trade-off when comparing the horsepower of these two crossovers?

The 2026 Buick Enclave holds a significant advantage in power, offering 328 hp, which is 63 hp more than the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 265 hp. This difference means the Enclave will likely offer quicker acceleration figures at the expense of efficiency.

How much more cargo room does the Enclave offer over the Highlander?

The 2026 Enclave provides substantially more storage volume, boasting 22.9 cubic feet compared to the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. This difference of 6.9 cu ft heavily favors the Enclave for hauling luggage or gear.

Which vehicle has the better fuel economy rating for highway driving?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander achieves slightly better highway fuel economy, rated at 29 MPG, while the 2026 Buick Enclave is rated for 27 MPG highway.

Are there major differences in drivetrain between the Highlander and the Enclave?

No, both vehicles are specified here as utilizing front-wheel drive (FWD) configurations paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. They both use regular unleaded fuel.

Considering the performance difference, what is the price gap?

The more powerful Enclave commands a significantly higher entry MSRP of $46,200, resulting in a $5,880 premium over the $40,320 starting price of the Highlander.

Which crossover is physically larger, and by how much?

The 2026 Buick Enclave is the physically larger vehicle across the board, measuring 207.6 inches long, 79.6 inches wide, and 71.0 inches tall, making it substantially bigger than the Highlander in all three dimensions.