Choosing between the 2020 Ford Explorer and Buick Enclave can be complicated, since both of these three-row crossovers are both sporty and luxurious. Look closer, though, and you’ll see that one might be better suited to your driveway than the other.
Interior Space and Comfort: It’s a Tie!
Both the 2020 Ford Explorer and the Buick Enclave put your comfort first. These crossovers provide three spacious rows of seating, perfect for family togetherness. Inside each model, you’ll find seating for up to seven passengers. As you climb each crossover’s trim model lineup, things get more and more luxurious, with features like leather upholstery and power seating with lumbar adjustments.
Modern Tech Gear: 2020 Ford Explorer
The Explorer also scores big points with its tech lineup. Every Explorer trim model comes standard with Ford’s Co-Pilot360 bundle of safety aids, which helps you avoid trouble with features like lane departure mitigation and pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. You’ll also love Ford’s sleek, easy-to-use infotainment setup. All Explorers feature a Wi-Fi hotspot and an infotainment system that’s pre-loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
When it comes to infotainment, the Buick Enclave goes pound-for-pound with the Explorer. It, too, comes standard with Wi-Fi connectivity and modern smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enclave is less generous with its safety features, however, which don’t come standard. To get features like automatic emergency braking, you may end up spending more than you originally planned.
Sporty Capabilities: 2020 Ford Explorer
With its new rear-wheel-drive platform, the Explorer is definitely more fun to drive. It’s sportier than ever, with improved handling and balance as you take on curving highways and tight turns. The Explorer is also stronger. Properly equipped, this crossover also tows up to 5,600 pounds’ worth of boat.
The 2020 Enclave actually offers more engine power, with 310 horses to rival the Explorer’s 300 horses. However, it can’t tow as much, owing to its front-wheel-drive platform. The Enclave only tows up to 5,000 pounds. The Enclave might be quick, but it’s not too agile, especially compared to the sporty Explorer.
Efficient Performance: 2020 Ford Explorer
Surprisingly, the Explorer is both more capable and more efficient than the Enclave. Depending on configuration and equipment, Ford’s newly redesigned crossover earns up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway mpg). If you want an even thriftier take on sporty performance, check out the Explorer Hybrid, which rejoins the lineup for 2020 and earns up to 28 mpg combined (27/29 mpg).
With its bigger V6 engine, the Enclave trails behind, with EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg combined (18/26 mpg). Rather than fuel economy, the Enclave puts an emphasis on speed, giving you one of the quicker rides in the segment.
Although both are big on comfort, only one of these family-friendly crossovers is really worthy of your garage, and that’s the 2020 Ford Explorer. This newly redesigned crossover speaks to your need for sporty capabilities, fuel-saving performance, and modern technology.