2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
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The 2018 Buick Enclave and 2018 Nissan Pathfinder are both larger than life SUVs that demand the attention of any road they grace with their bold presence. It is difficult to say which one is better or worse because both are such well-engineered subjects, but only one can be the one for you. The 2018 Buick Enclave is subjectively strong in size, engine, and standard features, but the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is never far behind and always ready for an adventure.
Character
Features are what builds character for a vehicle. Without a fair lineup of features, no car can be complete. What is even better than features, are standard features which you get without paying a cent more. When it comes to what a vehicle offers standard, the Buick Enclave has the advantage. Both of these large SUVs also come with at least four trims that grant them even more personality.
2018 Buick Enclave
The 2018 Buick Enclave offers a long list of standard features to improve convenience and comfort in order to outshine those of the Nissan Pathfinder. The standard features that the 2018 Enclave includes that the 2018 Pathfinder does not are a backup camera, auto-off HID headlights, an optional luggage rack, rear parking aid, remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote trunk release, universal garage door opener, electrochromic rearview heated mirrors, and Liftgate for hands free trunk opening. This does not even include standard features it shares with the 2018 Pathfinder or upgradable features.
The 2018 Buick Enclave offers four trim levels. The Enclave 1SV is the basic trim with such highlighted features as the Buick’s fantastic 8-inch infotainment system, keyless open, push-button start, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control. The Essence is one trim level ahead and offers leather seating, traffic and blind zone alerts, and 3-months of SiriusXM satellite radio. The next trim level is the Premium trim which adds heated wheels and rear seats and a 10-speaker sound system, making it the more luxury based upgrade. Lastly is the Avenir trim which adds impressive features such as more styling options, integrated navigation, wireless charging, and a refreshing moonroof.
With a large number of standard features, the 2018 Buick Enclave has plenty of character to spare, but the trim upgrades do offer some extremely tempting features of premium luxury.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
There are only three standard features the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has that the 2018 Buick Enclave does not. This would include brake assist, variable speed intermittent wipers, and a trip computer in place of Buick’s navigation from telematics. Where the 2018 Pathfinder does have a small lead is in its five trim options.
The 2018 Pathfinder offers, in order of increasing price, the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. You can also get the Midnight edition which offers black detailed everything to boost the refinement of its style. In order to get remote engine start and the Nissan intelligent key you must upgrade to the SV trim, and to get leather seating, blind spot warnings, and intelligent cruise control you must upgrade to the SL. The Platinum trim offers bold 20-inch wheels, climate-controlled seats, and an amazing 13-speaker sound system.
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder gains an impressive amount of character and appeal the higher up you go on the trims, but it is all about the balance between what you need, want, and can afford.
Capability
Capability begins and ends with engine options, but both the 2018 Buick Enclave and 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offer one and only one V6 engine. It is a battle of two vehicles that devote themselves to quality over quantity. Both are extremely capable, but the 2018 Buick Enclave does offer more standard horsepower and torque.
2018 Buick Enclave
Clearly being the larger of the two, the 2018 Enclave will produce more ability when it comes to power. The 2018 Buick Enclave comes with a powerful 3.6L V6 engine that delivers a dependable 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Its 9-speed automatic transmission is extremely responsive and ready to keep all of the raw engine power under control. With all-wheel drive, which is available with every trim beyond the basic trim, you can truly take control of the road before you.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offers a 3.5L V6 engine delivers 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable transmission which runs well under the speed and power the 2018 Pathfinder offers. If you are truly up for a journey, upgrade to the intelligent 4×4 model. Nothing says adventure like a Pathfinder by Nissan.
Convenience
Convenience is key when it comes to finding your perfect vehicle. An SUV is focused on serving you in any way possible, and no SUV assists you better than these two. There are a few main ways to calculate true convenience. The first is by how much space it provides, how versatile that space is, and how it uses its technology to serve your needs.
2018 Buick Enclave
The 2018 Buick Enclave is a large SUV that is 204-inches in length which fits seven people and offers 23.6 ft³ of basic cargo space and 97.6 ft³ in total cargo space if you utilize the versatile folded seating options. Vacations, school pickups, camping equipment, sporting equipment, beach gear, DIY project materials, and anything else you need for your everyday travels and favorite pastimes can fit conveniently right inside your traveling paradise.
As for technological convenience, the 2018 Buick Enclave allows you to use its 8-inch touch display infotainment system in order to connect to your personal smartphone and make all your calls and texts hands-free. Speaking of hands-free, the Liftgate system will make packing your vehicle so easy you don’t even need a free hand; just a gentle kick of the foot and your trunk will open like magic. Buick Quiettuning technology makes your ride so peaceful you won’t even notice the rough roads below. Add in the fuel-saving start-stop technology, tri-zone climate control, 5-link rear suspension, and endless alert systems, and you will feel right at home in your Buick Enclave.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is the second largest Nissan SUV on the current lineup at 199 inches in length. The 2018 Pathfinder also offers a total cargo space of 79 ft³ with folding seats and under seat storage, which can fit all of your necessary shopping bags, hobby equipment, and vacation gear. The 2018 Pathfinder can fit seven adults comfortably, and each seat is powered and will automatically adjust to a pre-set position. The seats are also heated with optional ventilation.
If that isn’t enough the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has also adapted to technological convenience. The tri-zone climate control system is automatic and will keep every passenger at their idyllic temperature. Not only is the temperature tri-zoned, but so is the entertainment with dual 8-inch monitors right inside the headrests of the front seats, and two wireless headsets to keep the experience private. Finally, the 13-speaker sound system will make listening to music on the road a cathartic experience.
Overall, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is packed with so much convenience you won’t even need to worry about from how hot you are, to how much you can bring along.
