Starting at
Starting at
310 | Horsepower (HP) | 284 |
266 | Torque (lb-ft) | 259 |
97.6 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 78.9 |
If you are looking for a large SUV that is ideal for big families, then you should be comparing the 2020 Buick Enclave vs 2020 Nissan Pathfinder to figure out which is best for you. Both of these beautiful SUVs offer three rows of seating and ample storage space. Loaded with the coolest tech gadgets and advanced features, they are a great match to go head-to-head in a comparison battle.
With comfortable seating for up to seven people, the 2020 Buick Enclave is one of the most spacious SUVs in its class. Behind the third row is about 23.6 cubic feet of room for groceries or backpacks. By folding down the back row, you can expand this area to 58 cu.ft. If that still isn’t enough, you can fold down the second row as well to gain access to a total of 98 cu.ft. of storage space. On the other hand, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a bit different. Although it has seating for seven people, its cargo configuration is significantly smaller. Behind the last row is only 16.2 cu.ft of room. While that is enough for groceries and backpacks, it is a far cry from the Enclave’s 23.6 cu.ft. In fact, the Pathfinder’s cargo area isn’t any bigger than that of a large sedan’s trunk space. Folding down the third row will give you 47.4 cu.ft., and folding the second row down as well will expand the area to 79.5 cu.ft. If space is a significant factor in your decision-making process, this may be where your comparison ends. However, if you want to learn more about each vehicle, we are going to dive deeper into the performance stats, interior features, and exterior styling elements of both models.
One of the most critical factors in finding the right SUV is finding the best performing vehicle. You want to find something reliable, strong, and efficient. Luckily, in today's day and age, many SUVs have all of those characteristics. But between the Enclave and the Pathfinder, which one is better? Let's look into it.
Under the hood of the 2020 Buick Enclave is a magnanimous 3.6-liter V6 motor coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain pushes out 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Every model comes standard with FWD, and they can all be upgraded to AWD except for the Preferred trim level. Upgrading the AWD is a good idea if you live somewhere with poor road or weather conditions, and is often something people looking at SUVs desire. The estimated fuel economy for the Enclave is also pretty good at 22 MPG combined (18 city/26 highway).
Switching gears for a moment, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a slighting smaller 3.5-liter V6 engine mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It generates 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque with FWD as the standard drivetrain. AWD is optional on all trims, and it adds hill descent control for better traction when traveling downhill. The estimated fuel economy for the Pathfinder sits at 23 MPG combined (20 city/27 highway). While this fuel economy is better, it is not by much. Plus, the Enclave’s engine is superior.
The interior of a vehicle is almost just as important as anything else when you are searching to purchase a new vehicle. When you are taking a trip, short or long, comfort and convenience inside are critical to the experience. Here is a look inside the Enclave and the Pathfinder.
Slipping behind the wheel of the 2020 Buick Enclave is quite a treat. Keep in mind that this vehicle is considered to be a luxury model, and many of the features will reflect that. The base trim is known as the Preferred. As we mentioned previously, this model is the only one that is not offered with AWD. However, it does come with many sophisticated features such as heated seats and an advanced infotainment interface. Displayed on a large 8-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system operates with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. There is also a rearview camera to help with backing out of tight or crowded spaces. The Essence trim adds upgraded leather upholstery and better air cabin filter along with a few other improvements. A couple of these upgrades are a sunroof along with a handy 360-degree camera system to assist with maneuvering around parking lots.
Then, we have the Premium model. This is where things start to get really good. The heating feature is extended to the back seats, and the front seats get added coming for comfort during the summer months. A top-of-the-line Bose stereo system with ten speakers has been installed as well as several extra safety features, including front parking sensors and the GM Safety Alert Seat. Finally, the top-tier trim is called the Avenir. The cabin is draped in premium leather upholstery, and the sunroof stays on. Real wood accents adorn the steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad helps to keep the interior free of clutter. A navigation system has been added to help you reach your destination in a timely manner. Also included are an adjustable suspension and adaptive cruise control to make your experience inside the vehicle much more comfortable.
Meanwhile, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trims as well. First is the S model. With tri-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, and emergency braking, this model is surprisingly well-equipped. It also comes with an infotainment interface that is displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that functions with Bluetooth and satellite radio. You can also get a taste of the old school technology with the included CD player. Moving up to the SV trim will add advanced safety features such as blindspot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The cabin also receives an upgrade with a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a touch of elegance.
Next is the SL model, and it comes with more luxurious features. For example, the cabin upholstery has been upgraded to leather, and the front and rear seats are heated for comfort during the winter. The navigation system comes in handy when you need directions, and the hands-free liftgate is useful when you need to load a lot of things into the back of the vehicle. Lastly, the top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes a sunroof and a premium Bose stereo system. The front seats are ventilated for cooling during the summer, and a back seat entertainment system with 8-inch displays mounted on the backs of the headrests has also been installed. This is great for children during long drives.
Looking at these two vehicles from the outside makes a big difference as well. It is apparent that they are not the same at all. The Enclave seems to have some extra exterior features that you will not find on other vehicles. But let’s break down the exterior styling to help you make the ultimate decision.
The 2020 Buick Enclave Preferred rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels and features automatic headlights, body-colored door handles with chrome accents and heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. It also includes a hands-free liftgate, chrome accents, roof rails, and a rear spoiler. Next, the Essence has all of the same features with a few more optional add-ons. The Premium adds an auto-dimming feature to the side mirrors and upgrades the headlights to IntelliBeam. Finally, the Avenir rolls on 20-inch aluminum wheels with a special Pearl Nickel finish. It also comes with a unique upper and lower grille design.
As for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, the base S model rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. It also features LED daytime running lights, roof rails, a body-colored rear spoiler, and power side mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators. The SV has many of the same features, and it adds intelligent headlights, fog lamps, and chrome bodyside moldings. The SL trim adds LED headlights and a heating element to the side mirrors. Lastly, the Platinum model rides on larger 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. It also comes with a tow hitch receiver that has a 7-pin wiring system for enhanced hauling capabilities.