2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Honda Pilot
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The Buick Enclave has always been a top choice for drivers seeking a large three-row crossover vehicle. For 2018, Buick’s largest offering in the three-row division definitely upped its game, bringing many new upgrades, in both standard and optional trim features, technology, and performance. Enhanced performance points include both amped up horsepower and a greater towing capacity, both of which will interest drivers of such a large crossover vehicle. There are also impressive driver-assist upgrades. These additions, along with the new and stylish exterior and interior appointments, really bring the 2018 Buick Enclave to the top of its class.
The Honda Pilot retains its smoothed out exterior styling that it achieved with its 2016 style redesign and adds a few touches to its exterior design. While the Pilot often leans more towards a minivan or MVP in the style department, this SUV did receive some new standard tech, as well as an exterior and interior polish for the 2018 model year. In addition, the 2018 Honda Pilot’s performance is enhanced and offers two transmissions to choose from. Both transmissions use the power of the V6 engine well. Fuel economy comes in average for its class and it handles nicely on the road.
Both the 2018 Buick Enclave and the 2018 Honda Pilot have made improvements to their interior and exterior styles, their standard options in style, tech, and safety, as well as added several options to their upscaled trim models.
Safety
The Buick Enclave does offer an impressive amount of safety technology; however, quite a few options are only available on upper trim options. Still, standard safety tech remains well-appointed. Available safety technology includes rear-traffic warnings, lane change and blind spot alerts, front and rear parking sensors and blind spot technology. Low-speed front collision warning and brake assist are also included on varying trim levels of the 2018 Buick Enclave.
The Honda Pilot has a nice list of standard and available features on board for 2018. The Pilot has again received a good safety rating in categories all around and includes standard features, such as driver, passenger, front and rear head, and front side airbags. There is also brake assist, 4-wheel ABS, and 4-wheel disc brakes. Child locks, traction control, and electronic stability control round out the standard safety features on the 2018 Honda Pilot.
Performance
With two transmissions to choose from and a V6 powered engine, the Honda Pilot brings impressive performance for its class. Fuel economy comes in around average for a larger crossover at 19 MPG city and 27 MPG on the highway. Six-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the 2018 Honda Pilot, while the Touring and Elite trims come with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The comfortable ride is one of the Pilot’s best features as it both handles well and takes a turn nicely. Front-wheel drive is the standard for the Pilot, and all-wheel drive is optional.
The 2018 Buick Enclave performs nicely for such a large vehicle, despite its massive size, this crossover does not feel large while you are driving it. It has an average for its class fuel economy, coming in at around an EPA estimated 20-21 MPG for city and highway drives. It has a V6 engine, and front-wheel drive is standard. The Enclave also has 310 horsepower and a new 9-speed automatic transmission which really impresses on the road.
Interior
The Interior of the 2018 Honda Pilot delivers a soft ride and plenty of room for drivers and passengers alike with its three rows of seating. For times when extra cargo space is needed, the back two rows of the Pilot fold down to offer plenty of space. Seating is cushy with padded seats and bolsters, and legroom for drivers and front seat passengers are exceptional. With its excellent storage components and organizational elements, the Pilot scores well in the areas of small-space storage as well as large item cargo storage capabilities.
The 2018 Buick Enclave is big on size, offering plenty of space for a roomy interior and generous cargo opportunities. Even with all of the seats up, the Enclave offers 24 Cu ft. of cargo space. The third-row power-folds and the captain’s chairs are also collapsed to give way to 98 cu ft of cargo room. There is also a three-foot storage bin located underneath the storage floor. Seating is comfortable for kids and adults, and leg and headroom is generous in the front, middle, and rear of the vehicle. Other interior details of the Enclave include the sleekly sculpted and nicely organized dashboard that moves seamlessly into the center console and side door panels. There are many soft-touch points on the Enclave’s interior appointments, and the additional interior materials are high-quality.
Exterior
The Buick Enclave brings high-style and sleek form to its 2018 model. The Enclave underwent a complete redesign this year, and many people are taking notice. As Buick’s largest three-row crossover, the Enclave competes and comes out on top in style. Its exterior design is sculpted nicely, and even though it is among the largest in its class, it still maintains a sleek look due to its careful styling. Upgraded trim levels bring even more available exterior style options, like chrome details, larger 20” wheels, and a mesh front grille. The high-end Avenir trim truly takes the Enclave into the luxury class.
The Honda Pilot retains its classic styling since its 2016 remodel which altered its boxy look and traded up for more smoothed out rounded corners. The Honda Pilot is now available in eight exterior color options; Steel Sapphire Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Black Forest Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Diamond Pearl, and Deep Scarlet Pearl. The 2018 Honda pilot has soft corners and softer details that often make its styling more resemble a crossover MVP as opposed to a traditional SUV style vehicle. Its exterior styling is not too lux looking, nor does it look too rugged. The simple and sleek styling on the Honda Pilot makes it a nice pick for families looking for a spacious design with an exterior styling that will translate into a nicely appointed and well-organized interior.
