A grey 2019 Buick Enclave is driving through an intersection.

Which is Better: the 2019 Buick Enclave or the 2019 Dodge Durango?

 

SUVs are often celebrated for their power, performance, and versatility. When examining the 2019 Buick Enclave vs 2019 Dodge Durango, buyers will find that these two SUVs are no exception. Both of these large vehicles have a lot to offer in the competitive SUV market, but there are also some key differences between these vehicles that can help potential buyers obtain the right vehicle for them.

If a driver is interested in getting a new SUV, then knowing how the 2019 Buick Enclave and 2019 Dodge Durango compare with each other is important since both of these options bring a lot to the table. Some of the areas where they stand out against each other are safety, price-point, performance, capabilities, and entertainment features. It’s no secret that SUV drivers are often looking for a vehicle that can be practical without sacrificing luxury and style.

Safety Features

The safety equipment and precautions that come in the Enclave and Durango are very similar. The Dodge Durango features advanced systems such as rain brake support, brake assist, ready-alert braking, electronic roll mitigation (which helps reduce rollover possibilities), all-speed traction control, and more. These technical performance additions help ensure that the driver remains in control of their vehicle at all times.

The Buick Enclave also comes with some eye-catching safety options. One feature that sets this vehicle apart is its Surround Vision, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surrounding area. When looking at the 2019 Buick Enclave vs the 2019 Dodge Durango, drivers will notice that while both of these vehicles feature a rear monitor, the bird’s-eye view technology is unique to the Enclave. Another advanced safety feature that is different with the Enclave is the SUV’s ability to remind drivers to check the back seat before locking the car to ensure all passengers – especially children – have exited the vehicle.

Each of these vehicles also have advanced airbag systems in place to help keep all passengers in the vehicle protected should a crash occur. The Enclave comes with a different airbag design and placement strategy as compared to the Durango. The Enclave comes with a front seat airbag, which is created to help keep the driver and front passenger from colliding and hurting each other if a car crash occurs. Even though each of these vehicles can offer a variety of safety features, the Buick Enclave has a couple more unique hi-tech safety features.

Find the Right Budget-Friendly SUV for You

Price-wise, there’s a clear difference between the 2019 Buick Enclave and the 2019 Dodge Durango. The new Buick has a starting MSRP of $40,000, while the new Dodge is available for a starting MSRP of $30,195. If budget is the primary concern of a potential buyer, the Enclave can’t compete with Durango’s beginning sticker price.

However, drivers of both of these SUVs will find that they can save more at the gas station. The gas mileage of both models is impressive. On average, the Buick achieves 18/26 mpg while the Dodge Durango gets about 19/26 mpg. Of course, exact gas mileage depends on the trim-level and customizations made, but even though both vehicles are large they’re still designed to provide optimum gas mileage.

The front end of the 2019 Buick Enclave in grey is shown in a closeup. Check out style when comparing the 2019 Buick Enclave vs 2019 Dodge Durango.

What’s Under the Hood?

Just because a vehicle is larger doesn’t mean that its performance and capabilities should be compromised. The Enclave and Durango are both designed to deliver a powerful performance without sacrificing the driving experience. Each of these heavy-duty vehicles delivers a powerful engine that has produces comparable horsepower and torque. The Dodge Durango’s performance is able to be customized a little more because it has SRT Drive Modes. The ability to modify the driving mode enables the driver to tailor their experience behind the wheel so that their trip is as enjoyable as possible.

The transmission in the new Buick Enclave vs new Dodge Durango is a little different, though. The Enclave has a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Durango only has an 8-speed automatic transmission. This may not be a huge difference for some, but after driving each of these vehicles potential owners will notice that the Enclave does offer better acceleration.

Capabilities and Hi-Tech Features

Both of these SUVs have a multitude of hi-tech features that help make every trip enjoyable. The Buick Enclave and Dodge Durango also have the ability to haul and transport heavy and large items, so functionality isn’t compromised, either.

Taking a look at the interior space capacity and towing features between the 2019 Buick Enclave and the 2019 Dodge Durango, there are some important differences in each of these areas. The Enclave comes with about 97.6 cubic feet of space when all passenger rows are folded down, while the Durango only offers about 85.1 cubic feet. There’s also a marked difference in these two vehicles towing capabilities since the Enclave can’t tow as much. The Enclave is only able to haul around 1,500 pounds without a trailering package, and even with the trailering package it can only two up to 5,000 pounds. The Durango, on the other hand, is able to move quite a bit of weight. It’s equipped to tow anywhere up to 8,700 pounds depending on the type of trim-level and engine that the driver selects the SUV to have.

Some of the latest technological features can also be found in these vehicles, regardless of if which is chosen. For instance, when looking at the interior of the Durango, passengers and drivers alike will be impressed with the array of features available for them to use. The Uconnect system that showcases voice command, Bluetooth capabilities, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also comes in two different screen sizes. Additional capabilities, such as navigation, is also available to access with the larger display. Entertaining passengers on trips don’t need to be a concern either since multiple outlets and USB ports are featured throughout the interior, and a dual-screen Blu-ray entertainment system can also be installed. The new Buick Enclave matches the Dodge SUV with what it has to offer in many ways except that the touch-screen display only comes in one size. However, each of these SUVs can also host a Wi-Fi hotspot so staying connected while on-the-go won’t be a concern.

There are many similarities between the 2019 Buick Enclave and the 2019 Dodge Durango. If drivers are more interested in towing abilities and are working with a smaller budget, then the new Dodge Durango will better match those needs. However, if comfort, space, and access to faster acceleration is what an SUV owner is looking for, then the Buick Enclave is the option they want.