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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot
In this new vs. used comparison, we evaluate a lightly used 2021 Buick Enclave against a shiny new 2023 model to determine which one is the better value.
New VS. Used: Buick Enclave
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As the largest of Buick’s SUVs that all start with the letters “En”, the three-row Enclave swims in a sea of stiff competition. Not quite mainstream and not quite luxury, the Enclave is in the premium category. This pits it against everything from higher-level Ford Explorers, another 3-row SUV that we review here, to Acura’s MDX. But today, new and used will go toe-to-toe in this 2023 vs. 2021 Buick Enclave comparison.
On sale since 2008, the Enclave was completely overhauled in 2018 with a more streamlined style. Then in 2022, Buick applied a thorough mid-cycle refresh that brought a new front-end with a more aggressive headlight design, far more standard driver aids, new available technology, and standard wireless smartphone mirroring. So, the question for the courts is whether all this newness makes the 2023 Enclave a better buy than a lightly used 2021 model. Let’s find out.
Specs
As both the used 2021 and new 2023 Buick Enclave are from the same generation, they share a powertrain. Buick offers only a naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 that makes 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission to spin the front wheels with the option for AWD across the lineup. This setup is shared with the Chevy Traverse, which makes our list of best 3-row SUVs, so it benefits from loads of corporate development dollars that result in a peach of a powertrain.
Both Enclaves also ride on a fully independent suspension with the option for adaptive dampers on the Avenir model. Likewise, fuel economy estimates are shared with FWD Enclaves rated for 18 mpg in city driving and 26 on the highway. Adding the AWD running gear brings both of those figures down by a single mile per gallon.
It’s worth noting that AWD models have a larger gas tank, 21.7 gallons versus 19.4 with FWD, which translates to well over 500 miles of highway range. The one item in favor of the 2023 Enclave is the new car warranty that includes a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain term and a complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance visit.
Driving and Performance
Within the vast catalog of General Motors brands, Buick has historically hewn towards the cushy end of the ride comfort scale and that remains the case with both the new and used Enclave. Aside from the adaptive dampers offered on top-spec Avenir models, Buick does not sell an Enclave with sporting aspirations. As such, these big SUVs are best suited to cruising, which is something they both do well.
The smooth V6 – identical in both used and new models – is powerful enough to pull the 2nd-gen Enclave to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds from a standstill, which is an appropriate level of quickness here. Both Enclaves in this comparison also share a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Really the only notable difference between the two, as it relates to driving, is the NHTSA overall crash test rating. With AWD, both the 2021 and 2023 Enclave earn five stars. However, in FWD setup, the 2021 Enclave is 5-star rated but the 2023 model comes in at four stars.
Comfort and Interior
Recipients of Buick’s “QuietTuning” cabin engineering, both a used and new Enclave come standard with active noise-canceling technology to ensure a peaceful ride. Also common to both SUVs is lineup-wide leather upholstery and a seven-seat setup with dual middle-row captain’s chairs. Max cargo space is identical at 98 cubic feet in both cases as are the heated front seats and triple-zone automatic climate control. Point being, you’ll find a spacious and comfortable space inside the 2021 and 2023 Enclave.
However, the newest model does bring a handful of improvements like a restyled front center console that features a push-button shifter, versus the traditional lever on used models, for more space. According to Buick, the seat foam has been “enhanced” as of 2022, which should add more comfort and a sunshade has been added to the fixed rear skylight on the new model.
No matter which year or trim line Enclave you choose, there is an 8-inch touchscreen for infotainment duty. Competitors offer larger displays, as noted on this list of best options, but the Enclave does come with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot and integration for Apple and Android devices. The big upgrade on 2023 models is a wireless connection for smartphone mirroring and a newly added head-up display to Premium and Avenir trim.
Trims and Features
A major differentiator between the 2021 and 2023 Buick Enclave is how the advanced driver-aid systems are offered. In 2021, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were included on Essence trim and above with forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, and automatic high beams requiring at least the Premium model. For the new 2023 Enclave, all of those safety systems are lineup standard. Adaptive cruise control is now standard on the Avenir whereas in 2021, it was an option on that top model.
Notable amenities on a used Enclave include climatized and massaging front seats on the Premium trim, which also brought a 10-speaker Bose audio system plus heat for the steering wheel and second-row seats. A 2021 Avenir included a dual-pane sunroof, digital rearview mirror, navigation, and surround-view monitor.
Looking at a brand-new Enclave Premium, you’ll find the same features from 2021 along with the upgraded rearview mirror, premium Bose stereo, and integrated navigation. A 2023 Avenir model, on the other hand, does not move the needle all that much in favor of buying new as rain-sensing windshield wipers and standard adaptive cruise control are the main upgrades over the used model. For more details on the trims and features of Buick’s latest Enclave, check out our in-depth review here.
The Verdict
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Last but not least in this 2023 vs. 2021 Buick Enclave comparison is the question of cost. For the used Enclave, we filtered for fewer than 50,000 miles on the listings here at Carsforsale.com to find that a used Essence model ranges from $28,000 to $42,000 versus a new one that starts at $46,000. Premium trim comes in between $38,000 and $47,000 in used form against a starting point of $53,000 when new. And the top-spec Avenir runs from $35,000 to $50,000 used with the 2023 starting at nearly $59,000.
Considering you can save more than $10,000 in some cases by going the used Enclave route, I would be leaning that way to begin with. The 2023 model does have more standard advanced driver aids however, none of the systems are new and all can be found on a 2021 used Enclave.
Factor in the fact that the new model is the same SUV mechanically with just a handful of tech upgrades and I would strongly favor looking at a used Enclave before shopping new. Regardless of which path you choose, this overview of how to negotiate vehicle pricing is worth reading.
