Compare the2023 Chevrolet TahoeVS 2023 Buick Enclave

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Chevrolet Tahoe are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Buick Enclave doesn’t offer height-adjustable front seat belts.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Tahoe Premier/High Country offers optional Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Enclave doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

Both the Tahoe and the Enclave have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Chevrolet Tahoe weighs 788 to 1545 pounds more than the Buick Enclave. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Tahoe is safer than the Buick Enclave:

	Tahoe	Enclave
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	146	216
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	77 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	233	333
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.9 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Tahoe is safer than the Buick Enclave:

	Tahoe	Enclave
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	25	69
Chest Movement	.7 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	111 lbs.	161 lbs.
Hip Force	118 lbs.	204 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	88	134
Spine Acceleration	24 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	248 lbs.	716 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
HIC	239	251

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are over 47 percent more Chevrolet dealers than there are Buick dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Tahoe’s warranty.

Reliability

The Tahoe has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The Enclave doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Tahoe has a standard 220-amp alternator (250-amp - Tahoe Diesel). The Enclave’s 170-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tahoe first among large suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Enclave isn’t in the top three in its category.

Engine

The Tahoe’s standard 5.3 V8 produces 45 more horsepower (355 vs. 310) and 117 lbs.-ft. more torque (383 vs. 266) than the Enclave’s 3.6 DOHC V6. The Tahoe’s optional 6.2 V8 produces 110 more horsepower (420 vs. 310) and 194 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 266) than the Enclave’s 3.6 DOHC V6.

The Tahoe’s 3.0 turbo diesel produces 194 lbs.-ft. more torque (460 vs. 266) than the Enclave’s 3.6 DOHC V6.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tahoe gets better mileage than the Enclave:

			MPG
Tahoe
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	21 city/28 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Diesel	20 city/26 hwy
Enclave
	FWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	17 city/25 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Tahoe V8’s fuel efficiency. The Enclave doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Tahoe has 4.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Enclave FWD’s standard fuel tank (24 vs. 19.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Tahoe has 2.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Enclave AWD’s standard fuel tank (24 vs. 21.7 gallons).

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Chevrolet Tahoe, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a nine-speed automatic is available for the Enclave.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tahoe’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Enclave:

	Tahoe	Enclave
Front Rotors	13.5 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	12.4 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tahoe has larger standard tires than the Enclave (265/65R18 vs. 255/65R18). The Tahoe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Enclave (275/50R22 vs. 255/65R18).

The Tahoe’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Enclave’s optional 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tahoe offers optional 22-inch wheels. The Enclave’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The Tahoe has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the Enclave; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

Suspension and Handling

The Tahoe Z71/High Country has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Tahoe’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Enclave doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Tahoe is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Enclave.

The Tahoe’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the Enclave’s (57% to 43%). This gives the Tahoe more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the Tahoe’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the Enclave’s (38.1 feet vs. 39 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Tahoe has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Enclave (8 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the Tahoe to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Tahoe Z71 Air Ride’s minimum ground clearance is 2.5 inches higher than on the Enclave (10 vs. 7.5 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Tahoe Z71 4x4 is quieter than the Enclave Essence (66 vs. 67 dB).

Passenger Space

The Tahoe offers optional seating for 9 passengers; the Enclave can only carry 7.

The Tahoe has 11 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Enclave (168.3 vs. 157.3).

The Tahoe has 3.3 inches more front legroom, 2.5 inches more front hip room, 3.8 inches more front shoulder room, 3.7 inches more rear legroom, 3.6 inches more rear hip room, 3.2 inches more rear shoulder room, .6 inches more third row headroom, 1.4 inches more third row legroom, .9 inches more third row hip room and 5.4 inches more third row shoulder room than the Enclave.

Cargo Capacity

The Tahoe’s cargo area provides more volume than the Enclave.

	Tahoe	Enclave
Behind Third Seat	25.5 cubic feet	23.6 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	72.6 cubic feet	57.7 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	122.9 cubic feet	97.4 cubic feet

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Tahoe’s (except LS) optional second and third row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Enclave doesn’t offer automatic folding second row seats.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Tahoe. The Enclave doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Tahoe’s minimum standard towing capacity is much higher than the Enclave’s (7700 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Buick Enclave is only 5000 pounds. The Tahoe offers up to a 8400 lbs. towing capacity.

The Tahoe 4WD with optional equipment can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Tahoe can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Enclave can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tahoe uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Enclave doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Tahoe is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Enclave. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The Tahoe’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Enclave does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Tahoe’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Enclave’s front passenger window doesn’t close automatically.

The Tahoe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Enclave’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Tahoe Premier/High Country’s optional Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Enclave doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Tahoe owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Tahoe will cost $250 less than the Enclave over a five-year period.

The Tahoe will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Tahoe will retain 51.65% to 55.27% of its original price after five years, while the Enclave only retains 43.19% to 43.97%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Tahoe is less expensive to operate than the Enclave because typical repairs cost much less on the Tahoe than the Enclave, including $174 less for a water pump, $92 less for front brake pads, $85 less for a starter, $50 less for fuel injection and $780 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tahoe second among large suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Enclave isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Chevrolet Tahoe outsold the Buick Enclave by over two to one during the 2021 model year.

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