2026 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$46,200 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical distinction between the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Toyota Highlander lies in power output, with the Enclave producing 328 hp compared to the Highlander's 265 hp—a 63 hp advantage. This performance edge comes at a slight cost to fuel economy; the Highlander achieves 24 MPG combined versus the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Enclave is substantially larger at 207.6 inches long, which translates to a dominant 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Highlander's 16 cu ft. Conversely, the Highlander undercuts the Enclave's starting MSRP of $46,200 by $930, launching at $45,270. While the Enclave offers superior torque at 326 lb-ft versus 310 lb-ft, the Highlander includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) against the Enclave's Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, impacting traction performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined MPG rating of 24 versus the Enclave's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave provides superior practicality with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers significantly higher output with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the Highlander's 265 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a lower starting MSRP of $45,270, undercutting the Enclave's $46,200 baseline.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

Maximum power is a priority, as the Enclave delivers 328 hp.
You require maximum hauling space, indicated by the Enclave's 22.9 cu ft cargo volume.
Higher torque figures (326 lb-ft) are preferred for initial acceleration response.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Achieving the highest fuel economy, rated at 24 MPG combined, is critical.
A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $45,270.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for adverse conditions, unlike the FWD Enclave.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Buick	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	310 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	375.9/501.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	17.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Buick	Toyota
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	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Infotainment Display	30.0 in	8.0 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	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Buick	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
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	6-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.1 in.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.5 in.	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P255/55R20	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2026 Enclave and Highlander?

The main mechanical divergence is power output; the 2026 Buick Enclave generates 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 63 hp deficit.

How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Buick Enclave offers substantially more space for storage, boasting 22.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides 16 cubic feet, indicating the Enclave is better suited for large hauls.

Which vehicle is more affordable based on MSRP?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander has a lower entry price point at $45,270. The 2026 Buick Enclave starts at a higher $46,200 MSRP.

Is there a significant difference in fuel efficiency?

The difference is marginal, with the Highlander achieving a 24 MPG combined rating versus the Enclave's 23 MPG combined. The Highlander also exhibits slightly better highway efficiency at 28 MPG compared to 27 MPG for the Enclave.

Do both vehicles share the same drivetrain?

No, they differ in standard configuration; the Highlander comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Enclave lists Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as its standard drive type.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The 2026 Buick Enclave is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 207.6 inches in length, 79.6 inches in width, and 71.0 inches in height. The Highlander measures notably shorter at 194.9 inches long.