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, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Buick Enclave's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Buick Enclave's price is between $48,094 and $66,548, with the Ford Explorer priced between $42,737 and $63,305.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Buick Enclave loses 58.5 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 5.6 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 7.6 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Buick Enclave being ranked 3 out of 17 Best Luxury Large SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Buick Enclave is 7.8 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 7.5 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 328 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower.
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, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear head 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 4.80 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
48094 - 66548
Starting MSRP:
46200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
96574
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
46200 - 171000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42737 - 63305
Starting MSRP:
38330
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
51935
Price Range:
48060 - 58093
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
73658
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
51935 - 95381
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Buick Enclave Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
7.8 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Buick Enclave
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
11.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large SUVs)
8.2 - 12.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.191
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
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 / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
14 out of / 17Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
16 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 64Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
32 out of / 68Ranking
50 out of / 68Ranking
57 out of / 68Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Buick Enclave Trim Levels
Avenir, Preferred, Sport Touring
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor
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):
4.80 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
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
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
180.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4537 lbs
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
207.6 inches
Wheelbase:
120.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/55R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Twilight Metallic
Blue
Ocean Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray Metallic
Red
Cherry Red Tintcoat
White
Iridescent White Tricoat / Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone w/ Ebony Accents
Black
Ebony w/ Sky Cool Gray and Ebony Accents
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
