Buick Enclave vs. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Buick Enclave and Ford Explorer contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Buick Enclave and the Ford Explorer.
In comparing the Buick Enclave's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Buick Enclave has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and base engine power. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Buick Enclave's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Buick Enclave.
Pricing: A used 2024 Buick Enclave ranges from $39,990 to $58,926 while a used 2024 Ford Explorer is priced between $39,237 to $59,113. For a new model, the Buick Enclave's price is between $41,979 and $61,537, with the Ford Explorer priced between $40,144 and $62,004.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Buick Enclave loses 54.5 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Buick Enclave.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Buick Enclave is 8.5 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Buick Enclave being ranked 4 out of 68 Best Luxury Crossover SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick Enclave is 8.8 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Buick Enclave a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Buick Enclave’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Enclave is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 494 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. This gives the Ford Explorer the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Buick Enclave. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Buick Enclave, a crossover/fullsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, and cargo space. The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Buick Enclave, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.77 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,979 - $61,537
Starting MSRP:
$43,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$88,803
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$43,900 - $155,295
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$40,144 - $62,004
Starting MSRP:
$36,860
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$48,353
Price Range:
$39,990 - $58,926
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$108,428
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
$48,353 - $235,429
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
367
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
8,650
# Good or Great Deals:
104
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,137
Price Range:
$39,237 - $59,113
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,976
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,542
# Good or Great Deals:
337
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$24,435
Depreciation %:
55.7%
Resale Value $:
$19,465
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
57%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
42.8% - 61.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Buick Enclave Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.5 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Buick Enclave
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
8.5 - 18.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
21.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
1.5 - 32.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Buick Enclave Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 68Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 22Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
4 out of / 68Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 59Ranking
17 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
18 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 22Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
24 out of / 29Ranking
31 out of / 68Ranking
47 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Buick Enclave Trim Levels
Avenir, Essence, Premium
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.77 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:
266 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
342 / 494 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.6 inches
Cargo Space:
23.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
180.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4359 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
204.8 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Sage Metallic
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Emperor Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray Metallic
Red
Cherry Red Tintcoat
White
Summit White / White Frost Tricoat
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Not available
White
Oxford White
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
Interior Colors
Beige
Whisper Beige w/ Ebony Accents
Gray
Dark Galvanized w/ Ebony Accents
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Gray
Not available
