When choosing a “bigger SUV” in Central Arkansas, local drivers often find themselves comparing the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander. Both are designed to handle the heavy lifting of family life, from carpool duty at Conway schools to weekend hauls out to Beaverfork Lake. However, while they share a segment, they offer very different experiences behind the wheel.
The 2026 Buick Enclave, available at Crain Buick GMC of Conway, recently underwent a significant redesign that emphasizes premium comfort and high-end technology. The Toyota Grand Highlander remains a solid, utilitarian choice, but it lacks the refined luxury ride and futuristic cabin that define the new Enclave. For shoppers in Conway who want a vehicle that feels like a high-class upgrade rather than just a passenger hauler, the Enclave makes a compelling case.
Vehicle Comparison
2026 Buick Enclave
- 30-inch curved display
- 12 or 16-speaker Bose
- Available Super Cruise
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
- 12.3-inch touchscreen
- 6 or 11-speaker JBL
- Available Traffic Jam Assist
Design and Everyday Presence
The 2026 Buick Enclave carries a design language inspired by the sleek Buick Envision, scaled up for maximum presence. With new exterior colors for 2026 like Iridescent White and Stone Metallic, the Enclave has a sophisticated look that fits perfectly in the professional neighborhoods of Vilonia or Greenbrier.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is more boxy and functional. It prioritizes a massive footprint to maximize every inch of interior volume. While the Toyota is certainly capable, it lacks the styling flourishes and premium Avenir trim details that allow the Enclave to compete with high-end luxury brands. In the Enclave, you aren’t just driving an SUV. You’re driving a statement of style and success.
- Buick Enclave: Modern, scaled-up luxury design with new Iridescent White and Stone Metallic color options.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Rugged and boxy utilitarian aesthetic focused on maximizing interior volume.
Ride Comfort and Driving Experience
Buick’s engineering is famous for its focus on serenity, and the 2026 Enclave is no exception. It differentiates itself from its competitors with extra sound deadening, creating a library-quiet cabin even at highway speeds on I-40. The ride is soft and compliant, especially on the top-spec Avenir trim, which features adaptive dampers that adjust to the road in real-time.
The Grand Highlander offers a settled and pleasant ride, but the experience is more clinical. While its light steering makes it easy to maneuver through a crowded grocery store parking lot in Mayflower, it doesn’t provide the same level of isolated, “cloud-like” comfort found in the Enclave. For drivers who want to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed rather than fatigued, the Buick’s focus on ride quality is a major advantage.
- Buick Enclave: Features “QuietTuning” for a serene cabin and a soft, compliant ride with available adaptive dampers.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Delivers a settled and predictable ride with light steering suited for easy errand running.
Interior Comfort and Space
Both vehicles offer three spacious rows of seating, but the layout of the 2026 Buick Enclave is specifically built to maximize passenger space.
- Buick Enclave: Offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class. The Avenir trim introduces two-tone interior schemes like Cool Gray and Mocha, paired with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Can fit up to eight people if you opt for the second-row bench, though most families prefer the seven-passenger captain’s chair configuration also found in the Enclave.
While the Toyota is a master of utility, the Enclave is a master of atmosphere. The Enclave’s cabin feels more like a high-end lounge, utilizing premium materials and ambient interior lighting to create a first-class environment for every passenger.
- Buick Enclave: Maximizes passenger room with a focus on luxury; features premium two-tone interiors on Avenir models.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Offers flexible 7- or 8-passenger seating and high cargo capacity comparable to a minivan.
Technology and Connectivity
This is where the 2026 Buick Enclave pulls significantly ahead of the Grand Highlander.
- Enclave Technology: Every 2026 Enclave features a breathtaking 30-inch curved display that stretches from the driver’s gauge cluster across the center of the dashboard. It uses GM’s latest Google-based system and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
- Grand Highlander Technology: Comes with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. While functional and equipped with wireless smartphone mirroring, it feels small and dated compared to the Enclave’s panoramic screen.
For the audiophiles in Morrilton or Conway, the Enclave comes standard with a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, which can be upgraded to a 16-speaker Bose performance system in the Avenir. The Toyota starts with a basic 6-speaker system, requiring an upgrade to the higher trims just to get an 11-speaker JBL setup.
- Buick Enclave: Standard 30.0-inch curved diagonal display and 12-speaker Bose audio system.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and standard 6-speaker audio system.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a core focus for both brands. The Grand Highlander includes the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, offering basics like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
However, the 2026 Buick Enclave offers Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving technology. This available feature allows for true hands-off driving on compatible highways, a feature that significantly reduces the stress of long road trips through Arkansas. Additionally, the Enclave Avenir now includes a rear-view camera mirror as standard, giving you a crystal-clear view of what’s behind you even if the SUV is packed to the ceiling with gear.
- Buick Enclave: Features available Super Cruise hands-free driving and standard blind-spot monitoring.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with adaptive cruise control and road sign recognition.
Performance, AWD, and Fuel Economy
The performance numbers tell a clear story of the Enclave’s power advantage.
- Power: The Enclave is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine making 328 horsepower. This is a significant jump over the Grand Highlander’s standard 265-horsepower turbo-four.
- Towing: Both vehicles are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, though the Enclave requires the optional Trailering package to hit that maximum.
- Efficiency: The Toyota has a slight edge in fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 28 MPG highway compared to the Enclave’s 25 MPG highway. However, the Enclave’s 328 horsepower provides the passing power and confidence needed when the vehicle is fully loaded with seven passengers and their luggage.
- Buick Enclave: Produces a robust 328 horsepower; earns up to 25 MPG highway (FWD).
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Generates 265 horsepower; offers up to 28 MPG highway (FWD).
Ownership Value and Everyday Convenience
The 2026 Buick Enclave offers a more premium set of standard features, meaning you don’t have to climb the trims to get the technology you want. Furthermore, Buick sweetens the deal with a complimentary maintenance visit within the first year of ownership which is a great value for busy Conway families.
- Buick Enclave: High standard feature set and includes first-visit complimentary maintenance.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance included.
The Verdict: Why the Enclave is the Superior Choice
While the Toyota Grand Highlander is a reliable family SUV, the 2026 Buick Enclave is a superior overall package for those who value power, technology, and refinement. With 328 horsepower, a massive 30-inch display, and the quietest cabin in its class, the Enclave transforms every trip from a chore into a luxury experience.
For drivers in Conway looking for the ultimate family SUV, the Enclave offers the space you need with the prestige you deserve.
FAQs
Q: Does the 2026 Buick Enclave have more power than the Grand Highlander?
A: Yes. The Enclave comes standard with 328 horsepower, while the gas-powered Grand Highlander produces 265 horsepower.
Q: Can I get hands-free driving on the Enclave?
A: Yes, Super Cruise is an available option on all Enclave trims, allowing for hands-free driving on compatible highways throughout Central Arkansas.
Q: How many people can the Enclave seat?
A: The 2026 Enclave is designed to seat seven passengers comfortably across three spacious rows with some of the best legroom in the segment.
See the 2026 Buick Enclave at Crain Buick GMC of Conway
Ready to see the 30-inch display in person? Visit Crain Buick GMC of Conway today. Whether you’re coming from Vilonia, Greenbrier, or Mayflower, our team is here to help you find the perfect Enclave for your lifestyle. Take a test drive today!
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