The years of badge engineering – the art of creating multiple vehicle across different brands by simply changing the badges – are behind General Motors. This shows with the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Sure, they sit on the same platform and share many components, but they're vastly different, as the Traverse caters to the masses, and the Enclave serves more discerning buyers who aren’t yet ready to move into a full-luxury vehicle. Which of these mid-size GM crossovers is the better buy? Continue reading to find out.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Traverse & Enclave »
What the Traverse Gets Right
Despite being on the same platform as the Buick Enclave, there are distinct differences between the Traverse and its Buick cousin that result in a $10,070 cost savings when opting for the Chevy. This lower price prevents the Traverse from offering all the premium standard goodies the Enclave offers, but it still boasts a handful of desirable features like a seven-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, six USB ports, 18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, and more.
The Chevy Traverse also boasts slightly more interior room in key areas, including an extra 0.1 inches of second-row head room and 0.6 inches of third-row head room. It also has an extra 0.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind its second-row seats and an extra 0.6 cubes with all the seats folded.
The Traverse also has the added sportiness of its RS edition that includes a standard turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that injects 257 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, 20-inch Dark Android alloy wheels, and signature black accents.
What the Enclave Gets Right
The Buick Enclave may start with a significantly higher price tag, but there's value built into that price hike with its standard equipment. The list of no-cost goodies include keyless open and ignition, QuietTuning technology, rear parking sensors, a hands-free power liftgate, an eight-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 4.2-inch driver-information center, a universal home remote, remote ignition, chrome body-side moldings, LED headlights, and more.
Though they ride on the same platform and share many hard body panels, the extra touches the Buick Enclave features bump up its styling. The Enclave’s advantages start up front where its large, waterfall grille adds a touch of class and its LED headlights create a striking look. Around back, its liftgate applique that flows into the taillights and rectangular exhaust tips add creativeness that the Traverse lacks.
Inside, the styling advantages continue with the Enclave’s additional soft-touch materials that give it a more premium look and feel. Plus, the standard upgraded cloth in the Enclave feels more upscale than the base cloth in the Traverse.
Save Cash with a Traverse
While the Buick Enclave wins with its more luxurious and stylish ambience, the Chevy Traverse is essentially the same vehicle built for the more budget-conscious buyer. So, those who aren’t too concerned with brand cachet or premium standard features will find the cost savings of the Traverse an insurmountable advantage over the Enclave.
Verdict: Buick Enclave
With its big price boost, the Buick Enclave has more room to play around with styling and luxury, and Buick wasted nothing in doing just that. It’s this more upscale look and feel that gives the Enclave a solid advantage over its platform mate, the Chevrolet Traverse.