Used Buick Enclave vs. Used Chevy Traverse: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family?

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Shopping for a used three-row SUV means you’ll cross paths with these two GM siblings pretty often. Comparing a used Buick Enclave vs. used Chevy Traverse makes sense because they share so much DNA, from spacious interiors to strong V6 power and similar used pricing. What catches most buyers off guard are the differences that actually matter once you live with one.

  • Buick’s Enclave delivers more luxury features and a noticeably quieter cabin thanks to QuietTuning technology that makes highway driving more peaceful.
  • Chevy’s Traverse packs slightly more cargo space and can squeeze in eight passengers with its optional second-row bench, while Enclave tops out at seven.
  • Under the hood, they share the same 3.6-liter V6 engine putting out 310 horsepower and towing up to 5,000 pounds, so performance is virtually a wash.

What Makes These SUVs So Similar

These two ride on the same platform and share a ton of mechanical parts. Most used models pack the same 3.6-liter V6 under the hood, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy hovers around 18 mpg city and 26-27 mpg highway, so that’s not going to be your deciding factor. They’re built the same way, drive the same way, and even cost about the same to maintain.

Interior space is generous in either model. Front and second-row passengers stretch out with plenty of legroom, and the third row actually fits adults for shorter trips. Not every three-row SUV pulls that off. Inside, expect the same basic tech setup: touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and multiple USB ports scattered throughout the cabin.

Where Enclave Stands Out

Buick positions the Enclave as the upscale choice, and it shows immediately in the materials. Base models come with leatherette seats while the Traverse settles for cloth. Higher trims add perforated leather, wood trim accents, and more refined details throughout.

Buick’s QuietTuning technology actually works. Highway drives feel noticeably more peaceful in the Enclave compared to the Traverse. If you spend hours on interstates or take frequent road trips with the family, that quieter cabin becomes a bigger deal than you’d expect.

Safety tech comes standard on more Enclave trims too. Rear Cross Traffic Alert appears across the lineup, warning you when backing out of parking spots. Traverse reserves this feature for higher trim levels. For 2025, Enclave gets a massive 30-inch curved display screen, while Traverse makes do with a 17.7-inch setup.

Why Traverse Appeals to Families

Practicality gives Traverse the edge here. Configure the second row with a bench seat instead of captain’s chairs, and suddenly you’ve got room for eight people instead of seven. Hauling the entire soccer team or hosting a carpool becomes possible with that extra seat.

Cargo space tips slightly in the Traverse’s favor. Behind the third row, expect 23 cubic feet versus 21.7 in the Enclave. Not a massive difference, but loading strollers, sports equipment, and groceries adds up quickly.

Pricing also leans toward the Traverse, especially on used models. Expect to save $2,000 to $4,000 buying a used Traverse over a comparably equipped Enclave with similar mileage. Used Traverses hold their value pretty well, so well-maintained examples in the $25,000 to $35,000 range aren’t hard to find depending on age and trim level.

Reliability and Long-Term Ownership

Consumer Reports gives the 2022 and 2023 Enclave solid reliability scores, with the 2022 earning a 73 out of 100. Traverse scores a bit lower at 3 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, with average annual repair costs around $656. Neither tops the reliability charts, but newer second-generation models (2018 and newer) prove more dependable than earlier versions.

Either SUV can run well past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Look for examples with complete service records. Regular oil changes matter more than the badge on the grille when shopping used.

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Used Buick Enclave vs. Used Chevy Traverse: Making Your Choice

Shopping between a used Buick Enclave vs. used Chevy Traverse really depends on what matters most to your family. Want a more refined ride with better sound insulation and upscale touches? Enclave delivers. That quieter cabin on long drives and premium materials make a difference.

Need maximum seating capacity and cargo room? Traverse makes more sense. Eight-passenger seating proves more practical for larger families. Saving money upfront helps too, and finding options is easier since Chevy moves more Traverse models than Buick does Enclaves.

Test drive them back-to-back before deciding. What looks minor on paper becomes obvious when sitting inside each vehicle. Pay attention to seat comfort, visibility, and how the controls feel. Whichever one you pick, you’re going to spend a lot of time in it.

Finding Your Perfect Match in Indianapolis

Ready to compare a used Buick Enclave vs. used Chevy Traverse in person? Ray Skillman Auto Center in Indianapolis keeps both models in our extensive used inventory. Our sales team knows these GM three-row SUVs inside and out, walking you through trim level differences and helping match features to your budget. Ray Skillman Auto Center serves families from Plainfield to Columbus with well-maintained pre-owned vehicles and flexible financing options. Looking at the Enclave’s luxury appointments or drawn to the Traverse’s practical design? Either way, our staff can set up test drives and answer questions about cargo capacity, technology packages, and safety features that matter most to your family.