2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Ford Explorer
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Drivers in the market for a midsize crossover SUV will want to take a look at two of the top performers on the market today, the 2018 Buick Enclave and the 2018 Ford Explorer. The first Enclave came to the market in 2008. When it hit the market, it replaced Buick’s two SUV models as well as their minivan model. In 2014, the Enclave was voted as one of the top affordable crossover SUVs in its class. The Enclave offers drivers seating for 7 with captain chairs and seating for 8 with its bench seat configuration. Front wheel drive comes standard on the Enclave with all-wheel drive being an available option. With best-in-class cargo space and flexible storage and passenger spaces, it’s easy to see why the Enclave is a favorite among SUV drivers.
The Ford Explorer has been on the SUV market since 1991 and was initially designed to replace the Bronco II. Its initial design was available in both two-door and four-door models and several different powertrain combos. The Ford explorer display confidence on the road with its bold exterior and well-appointed interior, meeting class standards in comfort, safety, and technology the 2018 Ford Explorer remains a popular favorite with SUV drivers. Let’s take a look at the 2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Ford Explorer in a few of the major automotive categories.
Technology
The future cannot be stopped, and the 2018 Buick Enclave and 2018 Ford Explorer are the vehicles to prove it. Either of these vehicles will gift you with a long list of comprehensive and convenience technology-based features that will make driving both easy and fun. Both of these midsize SUVs would easily be given a thumbs up by a tech-savvy investor, but the 2018 Enclave keeps its technology a bit more user-friendly.
The technology features on the 2018 Buick Enclave keep drivers and passengers connected on the go. With built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, drivers and passengers can access their devices with a better signal than their smartphones alone. The infotainment system on board the Enclave lets drivers connect their smartphones to make hands-free calls, play music, and send navigation information to the onboard system. Drivers can connect their smartphones with either available Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on the device they use. The navigation system on board allows drivers to save favorite routes and access real-time traffic information as well.
The 2018 Ford Explorer includes all of the expected technology features for the new model year. The Ford Safe and Smart package sends alerts to drivers for things like lane drifting and allows you to set and adjust the cruise control. Rain-sensing wipers and auto high beams are a few other favorites of their great safety tech package. The SYNC Connect FordPass lets drivers remotely lock and unlock as well as start their vehicle. Drivers can also check on fuel levels, tire air pressure, and more all from the app.
Design
Design will always pay an essential role in which vehicle we choose as our own personal home away from home. Design is a subjective feature that depends on both the driver’s lifestyle and personal flair. Everyone is attracted to something different, and every has unique needs in order to blend in or stand out in exactly the right way.
When it comes to interior and exterior design, the Enclave knows how to amp up the luxury. The 2018 Buick Enclave is available in 10 bold exterior colors and four trims, including the Enclave, the Essence, the Premium, and the Avenier. Each trim model gives the Enclave a little something extra special in the areas of performance, design, safety, and technology. A few of the additional trim features are; perforated leather seats, safety alerts like rear cross-traffic and side blind zone alert, a Bose 10 speaker audio system, heated seats, an infotainment system and wireless charging options. On the exterior, the 2018 Buick Enclave has signature winged headlamps and a bold front grille that make it a real stunner on the road
The Ford Explorer is available in five trims; the Explorer, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. Each trim level brings its own variation of luxury, performance, safety, and technology upgrades to the 2018 Ford Explorer. Both the interior and the exterior have been redesigned to give more to midsize SUV drivers. New exterior points include a new, bold grille design, as well as LED lighting in the front and rear, as well as five new wheel options to choose from. The XLT Sports Appearance Package gives you leather-trimmed seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, black roof-rack side rails, branded floor mats, 20-inch wheels, and much more. Once you step inside the new Ford Explorer, you will be impressed with its lux details like newly added selection for interior colors, as well as fine materials used to craft comfort seating and soft-touch points throughout.
Cargo
Drivers invest in SUVs mostly due to the fact that they require convenience and space in their life. This is why it is essential to look at exactly how much passenger, and cargo capacity the 2018 Explorer and 2018 Enclave can handle.
When it comes to comfort and passenger capability, the 2018 Buick Enclave truly outshines the Explorer. The first feature to note is the ingenious Smartslide second-row seating that allows drivers to access the third-row with ease. The third-row seats are also power folding which makes them a key part of the super flexible cargo space configurations on board the Enclave. Whether you are shopping, carpooling, heading on a weekend getaway, or carrying cargo for those home projects, the Enclave can fit everything you need with room to spare. There is seating for up to seven passengers in the three rows of the Enclave, or 8 if you choose the bench seat configuration. For those who really appreciate a quiet ride, the 2018 Buick Enclave really delivers. Its QuietTuning tech features triple door seals, acoustic laminated windshields, and carefully tuned suspension that allows for a quiet and relaxing ride.
The 2018 Ford Explorer has you covered on any surface and in any weather with its intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management Feature. Drivers can shift seamlessly from one terrain management option to the next to best control their vehicle in different kinds of situations. When it comes to towing, the 2018 Ford Explorer is able to tow a max of 5,000 LBS. However, this is with the additional purchase of the trailer tow package. The 2018 Ford Explorer has flexible seating and cargo points as well with the ability to seat up to 7 passengers and its 60/40 split-fold flat bench configuration, and its third-row 50/50 split folding seat. Depending on the seat and cargo configuration you choose, the Explorer can give you up to 81.7 cubic feet of storage space.
