2018 Buick Enclave vs. 2018 Toyota Highlander
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The Buick Enclave first hit the market in 2008 as a midsize crossover vehicle. Once in production, the Enclave replaced both Buick SUVs as well as their minivan, the Terrazza. Now in its second generation, the 2018 Buick Enclave comes in 10 exterior colors, several trim options, and is one of the highest rated SUVs in its class. In its second generation, the Enclave introduced its fourth trim option, the Avenier, which offers upgraded technology options, unique exterior and interior styling, and advanced infotainment capabilities.
The Toyota Highlander is Toyota’s mid-size crossover that debuted in late 2001 on the American market. The Highlander was the first midsize crossover SUV to be based on a car frame and was, until 2006, Toyota’s best-selling mid-size SUV. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has an upscale interior, a powerful V6 engine that performs well, and a roomy, comfortable ride. It is available in nine exterior colors, and eight available trim options.
Design
The Exterior of the Enclave is styled to impress. A true luxury design, its sculptural shape, and winged headlights are signature touches that make the Enclave a real beauty. The signature front grille design was redesigned to add even more of a high-end feel to this stylish midsize crossover. The 2018 Buick Enclave also features a power moonroof and a fixed rear sunroof that gives drivers and passengers a great view and a roomy, spacious feel. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has a restyled front fascia with bold headlights and grille. Available trim exterior upgrades include 19” alloy wheels and gloss black grille facing, as well as black headlight housings.
The Highlander interior offers seven to eight passenger seating, depending on the options you choose. While the Enclave comes standard with seating for seven and an option to change the second-row captain’s chairs to a bench seat, which increases the seating capability to eight passengers. Cargo space in the Buick Enclave gives you a lot to work with. Smart Slide second-row seating gives fast and easy access to the third row of seating. Fold-flat seating options allows for flexible cargo space and lets you pack gear for recreation, vacation, errands, or carpooling. Similar to the Enclave, the Highlander also comes with second-row captain chair seating that allows for seven-passenger seating, but there is the option to have second row bench seating to increase the total seating to eight. The Highlander’s interior is roomy and has a nice touch of reclining third-row seats to really make those long trips comfortable. The cargo space in the Highlander is ample and flexible. With a 60/40 split, fold-flat options, there are plenty of options and space to accommodate times when you have more passengers, as well as times when you have more cargo.
Safety
Technology extends into the safety department for the Buick Enclave as well as the Toyota Highlander. The 2018 Enclave has an impressive line-up of user-friendly, intuitive safety technology available. Drivers can always be aware of what’s surrounding them with surround view cameras and rear-traffic camera alerts. Also available is low-speed front collision detection that alerts drivers if their vehicle is too close to a car in front of it and automatically applies the brakes if it senses the driver has not yet done so. There is also a front pedestrian sensing system on the brakes, and available OnStar technology offers Automatic Crash Response and Roadside Assistance.
The Toyota Highlander has the exclusive Star Safety system, a package of six active safety features, such as traction control, electronic stability control, smart stop technology, brake assist, anti-lock brake system, and electronic brake distribution. There is an advanced airbag system including roll-sensing side-curtain airbags. The second and third-row LATCH system makes installing car seats easy and safe. The tire-pressure monitoring system alerts drivers of dangerously low inflation pressure which makes for a safer ride.
Technology
The 2018 Buick Enclave has impressive technology on board. There is a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot on board so passengers can stay connected wherever you’re traveling. The Buick infotainment system lets you make hands-free calls, navigate to where you need to go, play music, and more. The Enclave is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Play compatible. Available navigation gives drivers real-time access to traffic updates and directions. The navigation option also allows drivers to save directions to their favorite or most often used destinations, as well as save their most popular routes.
The Toyota Highlander has unique Driver Easy Speak technology that picks up the driver’s and front passenger’s voice and carries it to the backseat speakers, making conversation a pleasure on board. The Entune multimedia bundle offers an 8-inch, high-resolution touch-screen interface that can be used to access navigation, music, make-hands free calls, and so much more. There is SiriusXM Satellite radio capability on board and gives you access to over 150 stations so that you can stay connected, wherever you travel. Three-zone automatic climate control is a nice feature that really elevates passenger and driver experience while onboard the Toyota Highlander. This system features individual temperature controls for drivers and front-row passengers, as well as control over second and third-row passengers, providing a pleasant environment for everyone onboard.
Performance
The Enclave has a 310 horsepower engine, available all-wheel drive and smart start/stop technology. The all-wheel-drive option pairs with the twin clutch to give drivers the most control over their driving experience. The powerful V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission delivers excellent performance. The standard four-wheel drive delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The entire design of the 2018 Buick Enclave was made to be lighter, resulting in an easier vehicle to control and a more pleasurable driving experience, with better handling and a more responsive actions.
The Toyota Highlander has a 3.5L V6 engine and gives powerful and efficient performance. The HIghlander’s unique 8-speed automatic transmission gives drivers control, even on tough road conditions. Fuel-efficiency on the Highlander comes in at an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 27 miles on the highway. The Highlander also has a very low emission rating – something that will impress most drivers. The available stop and start engine system is also kind to the environment as it shuts the engine off while it detects the Highlander is at rest, such as at stop lights or in traffic. Less idling equals less emissions, and that’s great for the environment.
