2021 Chevrolet Traverse vs Buick Enclave

Ready to tackle any terrain and look good doing it? Check out the 2021 Chevy Traverse or Buick Enclave, two three-row SUVs that boast powerful engines for an adventurous ride. On top of their rugged capabilities, these models feature plenty of attractive designs - plus a wide range high-tech features for your convenience.

If you've been thinking about purchasing a reliable SUV, the Traverse and Enclave by General Motors may be worth considering. After all, with GM being their parent company it's no surprise that these two models share many similarities! But just like everything else, there are nuances to each vehicle- this overview will focus on those details in an effort to help guide potential buyers in deciding which one might best fit them and their lifestyle.

The Powertrain

Providing a powerful driving experience, the Traverse and Enclave SUVs are equipped with 3.6-liter V6 engines that deliver 310 horses of power to give drivers more confidence in challenging situations. They have plenty of torque too - 266 pound feet! These sporty vehicles can conquer difficult terrain and handle up to 5,000 pounds when outfitted properly – even on slick surfaces they remain sure footed.

Vehicle traction is no longer a problem with the all-wheel drive (AWD) system, available on every trim except for the base model. This carefully designed technology monitors wheel performance and redirects power to wheels that have better grip - allowing drivers to reach their destination without fail. For those who don't need AWD, front-wheel drive remains as an alternate option.

The two models boast a responsive and smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, but drivers craving more control can utilize the manual shift option for an even greater driving experience. Whether you’re after some occasional fun or looking to boost your performance, this feature provides all sorts of possibilities!

With tow ratings of up to 5,000 pounds at your disposal, life on the road just got a whole lot easier. Explore new horizons with all kinds of cargo in tow - whether you're bringing along tools and equipment or venturing out for an adventure-filled camping trip! Trailering packages come complete with the necessary hitch setup plus additional helpful features like heavy-duty cooling systems and hitch guidance to guide you into even tight spots while backing up.

Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave owners can rest easy knowing their vehicles are backed by a solid five year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. This guarantee offers peace of mind for purchasers who deserve the highest confidence in their vehicle's performance and reliability over time - making it an ideal choice for any family or commuter looking to hit the road with extra assurance!

The Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave may not have identical fuel efficiency, but they're close enough that the difference is negligible in practical terms. The FWD version of both SUVs can get up to 18 mpg within city limits and 27/26 mpg on highway trips respectively; AWD drops those figures by a small margin to make them nearly equal between models.

Drivability

With a good amount of power, the Traverse and Enclave can be fun and easy to drive. The engine responds when people need it to, and these SUVs would almost never struggle to accelerate. The exception would be when hauling their maximum load in tough conditions.

Further, they both have mechanisms that can keep the cabin nice and peaceful. The Traverse's system is called Active Noise Cancellation, and the Buick's is called Quiet Tuning. Given all that goes on in people's busy lives, it can be pleasant to take a quite ride without external distractions.

The Traverse and Enclave provide the perfect blend of height for those seeking a ride above (literally) the rest. It's no surprise that these vehicles are as long as they are, standing 204 inches from hood to tail-- providing enough room in each model to fit an entire third row! Also with 7.51 & 7.7 inch ground clearances respectively - you can feel confident conquering any terrain your adventures take you on.

While the exact amount of leg room is slightly off when comparing the two models, it's essentially the same. The Traverse has 41, 38.4, and 33.5 inches of leg room in its first, second, and third rows, respectively. Leg room in each of the three rows of the Enclave is 41.2, 38.9, and 33.5 inches. As evident from these numbers, it's clear that the third row isn't going to be the best place for taller adults to sit. It can be fine, though, for smaller adults and especially children. For many households, having that extra seating area can be so beneficial.

Need to seat up to eight in your vehicle? Opt for our seven or eight-seater cabins and let the good times roll! With an 8-seat configuration we've got you sitting pretty with a bench that'll fit three people each; while two extra lucky individuals get Captain's chairs up front. And if 7 is more your number, those back rows will be wide open - giving passengers plenty of space to stretch out, plus easier access getting into that third row when it comes time to disembark.

Again, there are minor differences when it comes to cargo capacity. The Traverse has a maximum cargo capacity of 98.2 cubic feet when all the rear seats are folded down. Behind its third row of seating, the dedicated cargo area has a volume of 23 cubic feet. In the Enclave, the rear cargo area has a volume of 23.6 cubic feet, and maximum capacity is 97.6 cubic feet.

These days, technology really factors into purchasing decisions. Since Buick and Chevy are owned by the same organization, the Traverse and Enclave share many features. All Traverse trims have Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports in all three rows. They also have voice recognition and steering-wheel-mounted controls so that people can make adjustments to their infotainment systems in a variety of ways. The Traverse starts out with a seven-inch touchscreen, and its higher trims have eight-inch touchscreens with navigation and wireless charging. SiriusXM becomes standard with the mid-level trims, and it can really be appreciated when people are trying to find music to listen to.

Things are pretty similar with the Buick Enclave. It has smartphone compatibility, available wireless charging, and available navigation as well, but it comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen. Like the Traverse, it has an available Bose premium sound system that has ten speakers to enhance the audio quality.

Safety

Quite a few advanced safety components can be found on these two SUVs. However, not all of them are standard. This is noticeable when comparing these models to others in this class of three-row SUVs.

The base model of the Traverse, which is the L trim, doesn't even have any driver-assist systems. It does, though, have a rear vision camera, a rear seat reminder that reduces the chances of leaving a child or pet in the back seat alone, and a teen driver system that lets people keep track of their teen's driving habits.

On the higher trims of the Traverse, there are many advanced technologies, fortunately. The SUV can have frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a following distance indicator. The Traverse can also have a surround vision camera that can be useful when parking and maneuvering, blind zone monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.

Despite its higher price point, the Enclave's base model does not come with many of today's modern safety features such as automatic emergency braking, a surefire way to help drivers stay safe on the road. However it still packs a punch in Rear Park Assist -- an invaluable tool that lets you know when you're getting too close for comfort while backing up!

Moving up to the higher trims of the Enclave comes with several benefits in terms of safety. Most Enclave trims have rear cross traffic and blind zone monitoring so that people can be aware of vehicles that might be difficult, or impossible, to see. Higher trims have automatic emergency braking and the associated systems that can reduce the chances of frontal collisions, and they have lane keep assist with lane departure warning. A surround vision system is standard on the top trim and available on some of the other trims.

Which Has the Best Value?

After reading this overview up to this point, it may seem like the Traverse and Enclave are nearly identical. It's true that they have the same engine and similar infotainment and safety packages, but these components are just part of the offerings. Of course, one also has to consider price when determining the value of a vehicle.

With 7 exciting trims, the Chevy Traverse is a great choice for any budget. Starting from an economical $30k to its top-tier High Country trim at just over $50k, you can easily transport your family in style and comfort. The Enclave's four diverse trims feature similarly attractive price points with its premium Avenir topping out slightly higher than the Traverse - all without sacrificing sophistication or quality!

With prices varying by more than ten thousand dollars between entry-level models, potential customers may be wondering what the difference is. To help explain this discrepancy, it's worthwhile to explore some of the key features these cars have to offer. The Traverse L trim boasts luxurious details like 18-inch wheels, heated side mirrors and LED taillamps on its exterior while you can enjoy premium cloth seating with cruise control access and tri-zone climate controls in its cabin interior!

The Avenir's base model is called the Preferred trim, and it has those same exterior features just described. It also has a hands-free programmable liftgate, LED headlamps, chrome moldings, side rails, and a rear spoiler. Inside its cabin, it has heated and power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, so things definitely feel more upscale. Its remote start function, rear climate controls, and universal home remote are very convenient, too. A customer just has to ask him/herself if all of these features warrant the additional cost in comparison to the Traverse.

The Avenir and High Country trims of the Traverse turn up sophistication to eleven. These luxurious models come with 20-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, a panoramic moonroof for breathtaking views on your next drive, heated steering wheel and seats so you can cozy up behind the wheel regardless of how cold it gets outside - plus perforated leather seating that'll make each ride feel like an occasion! And just when we thought those weren't enough luxury features already included in these two trim levels... Fog lamps are also part of both packages; shining as brightly as stars in their own right!

With the Traverse, you have seven chances to find a trim that truly speaks to your style. If subtlety isn't for you, then jump into the RS and make some waves! Never mind being plain - show off with its sporty vibes and aggressive look. You won’t get this kind of chance from an Enclave… or any other vehicle in it's class either!

Which is Better?

While the two SUVs may have a difficult time standing apart from one another, with virtually identical specs and technological features, there is one subtle yet defining factor that makes them distinct: price. A closer look reveals this difference in cost might be more than just skin deep!

The Buick Enclave is an elegant choice for those who prefer a luxurious ride, boasting high-end features that give it an opulent feel. The Traverse offers practicality on the other hand and has just as much to offer passengers – but at a more budget friendly price tag! Ultimately customers must decide how far they’re willing to splurge when selecting their ideal car model.

When it comes to premium SUVs, the Traverse and Enclave are both powerful players. While these two vehicles have a lot in common under the bonnet, their exterior designs offer markedly different personalities; from sophisticated elegance with an Enclave to rugged charm for those choosing a Traverse - ultimately your style preference may decide which one is for you!