In the world of midsize SUVs, two competitors offer a combination of affluence and innovation: the 2023 Cadillac XT6 and the 2023 Buick Enclave. While the Cadillac XT6 is renowned for its upscale appeal, the Buick Enclave impresses with its value proposition and family-friendly features. Let’s explore the details to compare these two SUVS and help you make the best decision.
Key Takeaways
- The XT6 exhibits a fancy design with Cadillac's distinct grille, polished lines, and premium accents while the Enclave shows an elegant, sleek design.
- The Enclave offers more cargo space (23.6 cubic feet) than the XT6 (12.6 cubic feet).
- The Cadillac XT6 can come with two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter V4 engine with 237 horsepower, or a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower.
- The Enclave offers only a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower.
- The XT6’s starting market price is about $50,000 while the Enclave’s starting market price is about $46,000.
Exterior
The Cadillac XT6 exhibits a fancy design with Cadillac's distinct grille, polished lines, and premium accents. Its aggressive stance captures the attention of most bystanders.
Meanwhile, the Buick Enclave shows an elegant design with smooth lines that give it a sleek look. The Enclave is also bigger than most midsize SUVS.
Interior
The Cadillac XT6 has a refined and luxurious cabin with quality materials, comfortable seating, and an excellent finish. It also offers options: it can have up to seven seats with a full second row bench or six seats with two captain chairs instead. However, the XT6 does only offer about 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which can seem small.
The Buick Enclave doesn't disappoint with its spacious front and second row seating made from premium materials. It offers seven seats with two captain chairs for the second row; however, some feel the third row is more compact than the rest of the SUV. The Enclave also offers 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is almost double the space of the XT6. While the Enclave may not compete well with the XT6’s luxury, the Enclave does provide an exceptional level of comfort and space for its price range.
Infotainment and Technology
All models of the Cadillac XT6 come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with an active touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Wi-Fi. It also offers wireless smartphone charging and an optional DVD player for rear-seat entertainment.
The Enclave also comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment system with user-friendly features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and navigation with weather updates (optional). Passengers can also find USB chargers in the third row of the Enclave. Though different in some respects, both SUVs are similar and competitive in these different areas.
Safety
As for safety, the XT6 has driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, hands-free driving, and automated emergency braking. The Enclave also comes with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and cruise control. Though similar, the main difference is the Enclave’s lack of semi-autonomous driving.
Performance and Efficiency
The Cadillac XT6 comes with two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter V4 engine with 237 horsepower, or a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower. The V4 engine has 21/27 MPG for front-wheel drive or 21/26 MPG for all-wheel drive; furthermore, the V6 engine has 19/26 MPG for front-wheel drive and 18/25 MPG for all-wheel drive. Its responsive handling, nine-speed transmission, and available all-wheel drive ensure a positive driving experience.
The Buick Enclave offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower with a fuel economy of 18/26 MPG in front-wheel drive. It provides enough power for most driving situations with its nine-speed transmission. Depending on the choice of vehicle and engine, each SUV is comparatively equal in performance and efficiency.
Pricing
Pricing for the XT6 generally tends to be slightly higher than the Enclave. The MSRP range for the XT6 is about $49,000–$60,000 depending on the trim chosen with a starting market price of about $50,000.
For the Enclave, the MSRP range is about $45,000–$59,00 depending on the trim chosen with a starting market price of about $46,000. With these prices, the Enclave is a little more affordable than the XT6, but the choice to purchase between the two SUVs will depend on the buyer’s preference and budget.
Overview
Overall, choosing between the 2023 Cadillac XT6 and the 2023 Buick Enclave comes down to individual priorities or preferences. The XT6 impresses with its enhanced interior and rich touches. However, the Enclave offers a refined feel and for a more affordable price. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and even a test-driving experience to help them decide which vehicle is best for them.