The 2019 Buick Encore and Enclave are about to enter the arena. Can David defeat Goliath, or will the bigger brother beat up his little sibling?

 

Small and Sexy vs. Big and Brawny

 

When thinking about SUVs, two Buick vehicles come to mind: the Encore and the Enclave. The 2019 Buick Enclave is the beefier of the two Buick brothers, classified as a mid-size SUV. Don’t discredit the attractive and affordable small-size 2019 Buick Encore just yet, though. With the help of Edmunds, we’ve placed the Preferred trim of both SUVs head-to-head to see which one is the better buy for you. 

 

Edmunds’ Ratings

 

When it comes to reviews, the Encore takes the lead. With a 4.8 out of 5, the Encore is hard to beat. The Enclave came in at a more modest but still respectable 3.5 out of 5. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Edmunds’ Pros Generous room for passengers in all three rows

Quiet and smooth ride quality

Plenty of standard features

 Hushed cabin at highway speeds

Generous standard tech and safety features

Maneuverable size
Edmunds’ Overall Consumer Rating 3.5 out of 5 4.8 out of 5

Price

 

At $15,600 cheaper, the Encore is the clear winner if you’re on a budget. That is to be expected, though, given the Encore is a smaller, less powerful SUV. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Base MSRP $41,195 $25,595
Average Price Paid $38,960 $23,942

 

Performance

2019 Buick Enclave - The Big Brother

2019 Buick Enclave – The Big Brother

 

The Enclave’s mighty power takes a commanding lead in this category. With more than double the horsepower and nearly 118 more pound-feet of torque, the Enclave dwarfs the Encore. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Engine 3.6-Liter V6 1.4-Liter Inline 4
Horsepower 310 at 6,800 rpm 138 at 4,900 rpm
Pound-Feet of Torque 266 at 2,800 rpm 148 at 1,850 rpm
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Transmission 9-Speed Shiftable Automatic 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

 

Fuel Efficiency

 

Smaller size makes for bigger miles per gallon for the Encore, with seven more mpg combined. If you’re planning on taking long highway trips, however, the Enclave’s range is significantly better. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Fuel Economy 18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined 26 city, 31 highway, 28 combined
Fuel Capacity 19.4 gallons 14 gallons
Range 349 miles city, 504 miles highway 364 miles city, 434 miles highway
Fuel Type Regular Unleaded Regular Unleaded

 

Warranty

 

Both SUVs share the same warranty coverage. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty 6 years/70,000 miles 6 years/70,000 miles
Roadside Assistance 6 years/70,000 miles 6 years/70,000 miles

 

Tech Features

2019 Buick Encore - The Little Brother

2019 Buick Encore – The Little Brother

 

Technological toys and tricks are nearly identical between the Enclave and Encore. Parking Assistance can’t be found on the Encore Preferred, while the Enclave Preferred misses out on Satellite Radio. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Bluetooth Standard Standard
Navigation Standard Standard
Satellite Radio Available on other trim Standard
Keyless Ignition Standard Standard
Cruise Control Standard Standard
Parking Assistance Standard Available on other trim

 

Interior Features

 

Interior design differs quite a bit between these two SUVs. The Encore Preferred sports more leatherette, but can’t match the Enclave Preferred’s heated seats. A sunroof is also not an option for the smaller SUV. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Upholstery Cloth Leatherette + Cloth
Heated Seats Standard Available on other trim
Cooled/Ventilated Seats Available on other trim Not Available
Folding Rear Seats Standard Standard
Sunroof Available on other trim Not Available

 

Dimensions

 

The Enclave is definitely the bigger brother in this house. Heavier, longer, wider and higher, it dwarfs the Encore. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Curb Weight 4,359 pounds 3,237 pounds
Ground Clearance 7.7 inches 6.2 inches
Width 78.8 inches 70.1 inches
Height 69.9 inches 65.3 inches
Length 204.3 inches 168.4 inches
Wheelbase 120.9 inches 100.6 inches

 

Seating and Space

2019 Buick Enclave - Carry with Confidence

2019 Buick Enclave – Carry with Confidence

 

The increased size of the Enclave means that it can hold more people and cargo and do so more comfortably. Two extra passengers will enjoy noticeable differences in shoulder, leg and head room. You’ll also be able to carry much more junk in the trunk. 

 

Model 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim
Seating Capacity 7 5
Cargo Space 23.6 cubic-feet 18.8 cubic-feet
Front Head Room 41 inches 39.6 inches
Front Leg Room 41.2 inches 40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room 62.4 inches 54.2 inches
Rear Head Room 39.9 inches 38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room 38.9 inches 35.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room 61.7 inches 52.5 inches

 

Bottom Line: Which is Best for You? 

 

Consider a new 2019 Buick Enclave – Preferred Trim if you: 

  • need an SUV with more space for cargo.
  • need an SUV that can carry more passengers.
  • need an SUV with more power. 

 

Consider a new 2019 Buick Encore – Preferred Trim if you: 

  • need an SUV with a small price, both at purchase and at the pump.
  • need an SUV with a small size. 
  • need an SUV that has great reviews. 

 

Did the muscly mastery of the 2019 Buick Enclave make you a believer? Or did the significant savings of the 2019 Buick Encore swing this round? No matter which is the victor in your mind, come check out one of Diamond Buick GMC’s many Enclaves and Encores today!Â