2027 Hyundai Palisade vs. 2027 Buick Enclave: Which Three-Row SUV Is Right for You?

Families of seven need an SUV that can handle any task, from weekday school carpools to weekend sporting events. Our comparison between the Buick Enclave vs. Hyundai Palisade can help you decide the perfect model for you. While both vehicles offer expansive legroom, the Buick Enclave has 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, a much more responsive – and fuel-efficient – standard engine, and a lead on technology represented by a 30-inch central horizon display. While the Palisade is comfortable, the Enclave outpaces it in nearly every category.

At Haley Automotive Group, we proudly promote the best models in the market. Explore this family-friendly luxury SUV before you visit one of our showrooms.

Specs & Performance

The Buick SUV offers a stronger, fuel-efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The Palisade standard engine can't match that responsiveness.

Buick Enclave: The 2027 Buick Enclave for sale is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Creating 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, the Enclave can make it to 60 mph in under seven seconds.¹ Not only is this helpful for merging onto the highway and passing vehicles, but it's also useful for drivers with long commutes who want to reach their desired velocity quicker. It can also tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, perfect for small vehicles like ATVs, small to medium campers, or utility trailers.

Hyundai Palisade: The 3.5-liter V-6 engine sounds powerful, but it makes only 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, creating sluggish acceleration that makes merging difficult and can cause problems if you get caught in a snowbank. It also achieves a 5,000-pound towing capacity.⁶

Fuel Economy

Since this piece is only considering gas-only three-row SUVs, both models have the same MPG rating – a win for the Enclave, which makes more horsepower and torque.

Buick Enclave: The more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine impresses with an EPA-estimated 20/25/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).³ It also boasts a larger fuel tank, at 19.4 gallons, so it goes further on a refill.

Hyundai Palisade: Despite being a less powerful and less responsive model, the Palisade can only match the Enclave with an EPA-estimated 19/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).⁴ The smaller tank means you'll need to stop for gas more often than in the Enclave.

Size & Dimensions

Both models prioritize their strengths in different ways: the Palisade has extra legroom, but the Enclave has an additional 10.8 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the preferred choice for move-out days.

Buick Enclave: The Enclave is designed to maximize cargo space, with a 22.8 cubic-foot trunk and up to 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This model is a clear pick for moving day, as you can store boxes in the trunk or fold the seats for bureaus and desks. That doesn't mean it loses legroom: it offers up to 44.3 inches of front-row legroom, 41.5 inches in the second row, and 32.1 inches in the rear – a total of 157.3 cubic feet of passenger space.

Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade has a minor, 1.5-inch edge in second-row legroom, but loses out majorly in cargo space. It has 19.1 cubic feet of trunk space and 86.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The comparison between the Palisade and Enclave cargo space becomes more obvious the longer your planned vacation gets.

Seating & Comfort

If you want to sit in luxury, look no further than the Buick Enclave. It boasts high-end upholstery, more lumbar support, and massage chairs, alongside QuietTuning Active Noise Cancellation technology so you can focus on the road.

Buick Enclave: Choose the Buick Enclave for unique comforts like massage seats, standard four-way lumbar adjustment for easy and convenient comfort, and standard leatherette seating with available genuine leather. QuietTuning with Active Noise Cancellation is an advanced piece of comfort technology, protecting you from the sounds of the outside road.

Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade has standard two-way lumbar support, cloth seats, and no available massage function. It also lacks noise cancellation technology to the same degree as the Enclave, increasing distraction on the road.

Interior & Tech

Like seating, the Buick Enclave has the edge in technology. From the standard screen to the available sound system, the Enclave delivers a notable, family-friendly, high-end experience.

Buick Enclave: The Enclave is an incredibly tech-forward SUV. Consider the 30-inch Horizon Display, an unbroken touchscreen that guides you through navigation, Google built-in applications, vehicle information, and customization – including the available 126-color ambient lighting system. A 16-speaker Bose® sound system is available for drivers who want a fulfilling, elegant ambiance, while a floating center console adds to the feel of a modern SUV. Like in many of our model comparisons, the Enclave stands out as an entry-level luxury SUV sure to wow friends and family.

Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade has a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and a standard 4.2-inch information display, with an available 12.3-inch upgrade – still less screen space than the standard Enclave. It has a 64-color ambient lighting display, a 14-speaker Bose® sound system, and lower-end interior materials. Compared to the Enclave, the Palisade feels less cohesive and a bit behind on modern amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better family car, Buick Enclave or Hyundai Palisade?

The Buick Enclave is the better family car thanks to its expansive cabin, comfortable rear-row legroom, and higher-end features. Specifically, if you want to store up to 97.5 cubic feet of cargo, relax with a 16-speaker sound system, and get a nice massage during your upcoming road trips, you should choose the Buick Enclave. The Hyundai Palisade just doesn't have the same quality of comfort features.

What are the biggest complaints with Hyundai Palisade?

One of the biggest problems with the Hyundai Palisade is seating malfunctions. Some Palisade SUVs were recalled for issues like power-folding seats not functioning or failing to detect an occupant. Other Hyundai Palisade issues include transmission and powertrain faults, seatbelt failures, sluggish acceleration, and an old-fashioned 4.2-inch standard driver information display.

What is the best alternative to the Hyundai Palisade?

The best alternative to the Hyundai Palisade is the Buick Enclave. The Enclave also offers a more spacious cargo area and a large, 30-inch ultrawide central touchscreen for easy customization. It also provides 126-color ambient lighting, even more advanced standard and available safety technology, and a strong selection of interior comforts.

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/buick/enclave

²Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/palisade

³Based on EPA city estimate 20 / highway estimate 25 / combined estimate 22. Your range may be less.

⁴All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

⁵Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the trailering section of the Owner's Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow.

⁶Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

⁷Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

⁸Hyundai vehicles are backed by America's Best Warranty, which includes multiple limited warranties covering specific vehicle components for defined time and mileage periods. Coverage terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements apply and may vary by model, model year, ownership, and state. Warranty benefits require proper use, maintenance, and care of the vehicle as outlined in the Owner's Manual and Warranty Handbook. Certain items, services, or damages may not be covered, and some benefits may require service by an authorized Hyundai dealer. This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not replace the official Hyundai warranty documents, which govern all coverage.