Buick Enclave Vs. Chevy Traverse: Family SUV Matchup
If you're searching for a new SUV that provides space, comfort, and advanced technologies, we encourage you to compare the Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse. These two midsize three-row SUVs both offer robust performance for your family's adventures, but which one delivers more style, luxury, and upscale amenities?
Join us as we review the 2026 Buick Enclave vs. 2026 Chevy Traverse and show you why the Buick model edges out the Chevy SUV in this exciting competition. Then, when you're ready, stop by our showroom to take one for a test drive to enjoy a first-class experience behind the wheel.
Chevy Traverse vs. Buick Enclave at a Glance
For more premium standard features, choose the Buick Enclave over the Chevy Traverse:
- The Enclave gets standard 20-inch alloy wheels, whereas the Traverse settles for smaller 18-inch wheels in its base trim.
- An Ultrawide 30-inch display comes standard on the Buick SUV; the Chevy model features a smaller 17.7-inch display.
- The Enclave SUV's standard Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system tops the six-speaker audio in the Traverse.
- These three-row SUVs have similar specs, including their performance and dimensions.
Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse: Specs
Confident performance comes standard with both of these family-sized SUVs. That's because both models are motivated by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, developing a healthy 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque.
If you're comparing the 2026 Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse in terms of MPG ratings, you'll discover that the Buick model earns an impressive EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway)1 when properly equipped with standard FWD. The 2026 Traverse has not been rated by the EPA at this time, but the 2025 iteration boasts the same MPG values as the 2026 Enclave.2
Regarding Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse reliability, you can expect these two new SUVs to provide similar levels of highly dependable performance, given that both are regularly brought in for maintenance and repairs when needed.
One of the first hints that the new Buick Enclave is the more premium-equipped model in this SUV battle is that it wears large, 20-inch alloy wheels in its entry-level configuration. By comparison, the Traverse base trim only gets 18-inch wheels; larger wheels are available with an optional package or by upgrading to a pricier trim level.
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| 2026 Buick Enclave Preferred | 2026 Chevy Traverse LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L turbo | 2.5L turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Horsepower | 328 | 328 |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft | 326 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 20 / 271 | Not yet confirmed |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.4 gal | 19.4 gal |
| Wheels | 20-in alloy with Medium Android finish | 18-in Grazen Metallic machined-face aluminum |
| Tires | All-season | All-season |
Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse: Dimensions
See how these similarly sized SUVs stack up to one another in our comparison of their exterior and interior dimensions below:
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| 2026 Buick Enclave Preferred | 2026 Chevy Traverse LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 207.6 in | 204.49 in |
| Width | 79.6 in | 79.57 in |
| Height | 70.98 in | 69.57 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.93 in | 121 in |
| Passenger Volume | 157.3 cu ft | Not yet confirmed |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 42.6 / 39.96 / 38.27 in | 42.6 / 39.96 / 38.27 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 44.29 / 41.46 / 32.13 in | 44.29 / 41.46 / 32.13 in |
| Shoulder Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 62.17 / 62.13 / 57.76 in | 62.28 / 62.17 / 57.72 in |
| Hip Room (1st / 2nd / 3rd Row) | 58.7 / 58.46 / 48.54 in | 58.7 / 58.58 / 48.62 in |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 22.9 / 97.5 cu ft | 22.9 / 97.6 cu ft |
Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse: Technology and Safety
The stunning Ultrawide 30-inch display housing the Enclave SUV's touchscreen infotainment system is a sign of what's to come when you compare the Buick model's technology and safety offerings to the Traverse.
In terms of the Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse safety features, every new 2026 Enclave comes with the following systems not standard on its Chevy competitor:
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- HD Surround Vision
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
Buick Enclave vs. Chevy Traverse: Trims
The 2026 Enclave is offered in the following three upscale trims:
- Buick Enclave Preferred: Ultrawide 30-inch digital display with Google built-in compatibility, power-adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, static ambient lighting, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Bose® premium 12-speaker audio system
- Buick Enclave Sport Touring: Signature Sport Touring accents, bold mesh grille, and 20-inch high-gloss black and machine finish wheels
- Buick Enclave Avenir: Exclusive Avenir grille, 22-inch wheels with a Pearl Nickel finish, Bose® performance 16-speaker audio system, Head-Up Display, available Rear Camera Mirror, panoramic sunroof, massaging front seats, and Premium Ride suspension with Continuous Damping Control
Four trims make up the 2026 Traverse lineup:
- Chevy Traverse LT: 17.7-inch touchscreen, manual-adjustable front passenger seat, Adaptive Cruise Control, and wireless phone charging
- Chevy Traverse Z71: Advanced Twin-Clutch AWD System, 18-inch high-gloss black machined-faced wheels, all-terrain tires, ride and handling suspension, and Terrain Mode
- Chevy Traverse High Country: 22-inch high-gloss black machined-faced aluminum wheels, chrome and Dark Gray decor, and High Country liftgate badging
- Chevy Traverse RS: Flat-bottom steering wheel, red decor, blackout grille and roof rails, RS badging, and 22-inch high-gloss black-painted wheels
DeVoe Buick GMC has competitive Buick Enclave specials to explore if you're ready to upgrade to one of these stunning trim levels.
If you're still deciding between a two- or three-row SUV, we welcome you to view our Buick research models guide to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Buick Enclave have more luxury features than the Chevy Traverse?
Yes, the Buick Enclave has more luxury features than the Chevy Traverse, whether comparing their entry-level trims or their fully loaded versions. For instance, the Enclave comes standard with a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system, while the Traverse base model has just six speakers. Cloth seats are standard on the Chevy SUV, whereas the Enclave gets leatherette seat trim in its base trim.
Which has better fuel economy: the Buick Enclave or Chevy Traverse?
Comparing the Buick Enclave vs. Chevrolet Traverse in terms of fuel economy is a fair fight, as neither comes out on top. Both models can earn up to an EPA-estimated 20/27 MPG (City/Highway)1,2 in some of their latest editions. These three-row SUVs deliver efficient performance thanks to a combination of a 2.5-liter turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard FWD.
Does the Buick Enclave ride smoother than the Chevy Traverse?
The smooth-riding Buick Enclave delivers a luxurious driving experience, thanks to its available Premium Ride suspension with Continuous Damping Control. This advanced suspension setup adjusts the damping forces for each wheel, enhancing ride comfort and handling dynamics. While you can test-drive both models, we think you'll come away preferring the serene ride of an Enclave from DeVoe Buick GMC.
1Based on EPA city estimate 20 / highway estimate 27. Your range may be less.
2EPA-estimated 20 city/27 hwy 2.5L turbo.