2026 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$46,200 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Buick Enclave arrives with a bold stance, powered by a robust 328 horsepower engine, immediately appealing to those prioritizing traditional output and road presence. It measures a substantial 207.6 inches long, offering generous space. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid champions efficiency, delivering a phenomenal 35 MPG combined, trouncing the Enclave’s 23 MPG combined figure. This efficiency advantage, paired with its standard All-Wheel Drive, makes the Highlander highly practical, despite producing significantly less power at 243 hp. While the Enclave offers superior grunt and a larger 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, the Highlander’s $47,020 starting price buys exceptional fuel savings across its 35 MPG highway rating, contrasting with the Enclave's 20 MPG city rating. This comparison pits raw capability against unwavering economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid’s exceptional 35 MPG combined efficiency provides lower running costs for daily driving versus the Enclave’s 23 MPG combined rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave provides significantly more utility with 22.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 16 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Buick Enclave

The Enclave delivers a substantial 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, vastly outclassing the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Despite a similar MSRP, the Highlander Hybrid’s superior fuel economy over time justifies its purchase for long-term fiscal value.

Choose the Buick Enclave if...

You demand stronger acceleration, benefiting from the 328 horsepower output.
Maximum storage is crucial, as the Enclave offers 22.9 cubic feet versus 16 cubic feet in the competitor.
You prefer the driving dynamics of a front-wheel-drive setup mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Achieving 35 MPG combined is your highest priority, minimizing fuel stops.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive for varied road conditions.
A smaller, more maneuverable exterior length of 194.9 inches is preferred over the Enclave’s 207.6 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Buick Enclave	Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	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	Buick	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Buick	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	35/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	598.5/598.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	17.1 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	P235/65R18
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much more powerful is the 2026 Buick Enclave?

The 2026 Buick Enclave produces 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving it a significant 85 horsepower advantage over the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s 243 horsepower output.

Which crossover is better for minimizing trips to the gas station?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined with 35 MPG in both city and highway driving. The Enclave manages only 23 MPG combined.

Is the 2026 Buick Enclave much larger than the Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, the Enclave has a noticeable size difference, measuring 207.6 inches in length compared to the Highlander Hybrid's 194.9 inches, translating directly into better cargo volume.

What is the difference in starting price between these two models?

The Buick Enclave starts at an MSRP of $46,200, making it slightly less expensive than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which starts at $47,020.

Does the standard drivetrain favor performance or efficiency?

The Enclave uses front-wheel drive optimized for its powerful engine, whereas the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, balancing its superior fuel efficiency with better traction.

How does the cargo capacity compare?

For hauling gear, the Enclave is superior, offering 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Highlander Hybrid provides a smaller 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats.