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
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
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
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!
