GM recently overhauled both of their up-market midsize SUVs, and they’re loaded with new tech and design features. Even if you were previously familiar with the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia, there’s plenty of updates in the new generation to become familiar with. With the addition of the Elevation trim on the GMC Acadia in lieu of the SLE and SLT packages, there’s no pure “base” model anymore. Buick is also stepping up their game with a full brand overhaul, and notably a class-leading 30” screen standard in the Enclave and Envision.
We want to help you break down the unique personalities and features of both vehicles to see which suits your lifestyle better. Whether you prioritize luxury materials, technology upgrades, or off-road capability, you’ll find something that catches your eye. For a visual tour of both vehicles, check out our YouTube review above. We're also always posting the SUVs that are currently available on our lot on our social media. Let’s dive in!
Trim Pack Caveat
For the sake of this comparison, we’ll be measuring the Buick Enclave Avenir versus the GMC Acadia AT4. While those two trim packs aren’t the closest one-to-one comparison (that would be the Denali, for GMC), the AT4 comes standard with some exclusive features that aren’t available on the Denali or on any of the Buick line, so you’ll get a better idea of the unique strengths of GMC.
The second reason we chose to review the AT4 over the Denali: The Denali offers very similar features to the Avenir, so your preference will likely come down to personal taste. While the Avenir is slightly more expensive than the Denali (MSRP starts at $59,595 for the Avenir, versus $57,495 for the Denali), it also comes standard with more luxury features. You’re not paying extra for a power panoramic sunroof, 22” wheels, a 16-speaker sound system, etc., so the Avenir ends up being a better deal between the two luxury trims.
I will still reference some features that are available or standard with the Denali trim pack when comparing to the Avenir’s features, and I will try to differentiate when I’m talking about different trims as clearly as possible. I’ll also include whether a feature comes standard on each vehicle, or if it’s an available add-on with additional cost.
If this article becomes unclear when we switch between trim packs, please give us a call or leave a comment! We want your research phase to be as clear and hassle-free as possible.
Similarities
Functionally, the Acadia and the Enclave are identical in many ways. They’re built on the same platform and house the same engine: a 2.5L turbocharged 4 cylinder that provides 328 horsepower. Both are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission whether you choose FWD or AWD. Subsequently, they also have the same fuel mileage: 20/27 MPG for FWD, or 19/24 if you opt for AWD.
Both vehicles also boast the same (ample) cargo space: a maximum 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third row laid flat. They are rated for up to 5,000 pounds of tow capacity and come with an optional towing package (standard on the Acadia Denali).
Buick and GMC both feature a similar suite of standard safety features across all trim levels. Highlights include Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Alert, emergency braking in the front and rear for bicyclists and pedestrians, and the new “buckle to drive” feature, among others. Both of GM’s sub-brands take their safety very seriously, which makes these vehicles excellent family SUVs.
As of the 2025 model year, more luxury features come standard across all trim levels than ever before: expect wireless charging and a power trunk across all trim levels for both three-row SUVs. While not standard, SuperCruise is also available on both SUVs. The feature was previously exclusive to Cadillac, the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon Denali, but was released on the Acadia and the Buick this year. If you haven’t test driven a vehicle with SuperCruise yet, we’d highly recommend it: the option allows you to drive, change lanes, and pass other drivers hands-free across over 400,000 miles of compatible road in the US.
Wins for the Buick Enclave
We’re huge fans of Buick's recent brand update, which has been popular across the board. All four of Buick’s SUVs received a makeover between the 2023 and 2025 model years, with the Enclave being the last to hit the lot. Design elements are taken from the Buick Wildcat, an electric 2022 concept car. The most prominent updates are the updated fascia with a low, wide mesh grille; the new checkmark-shaped headlights; and the refreshed tri-shield logo. The line has moved from something minivan-esque to a more aggressive, sporty aesthetic.
Even though Buick is injecting more youth into their brand, their “excellence by design” philosophy shines through in every aspect of the vehicle, especially at the Avenir trim pack level. All three rows feature quilted and perforated leather seats, with 16-way power and lumbar controls on the driver’s seat (plus a massage function!), and standard power folding second and third rows. The Avenir also comes with standard 22” pearl nickel rims, as opposed to the 20” rims on the Acadia Denali, or 18” with the AT4 and Elevation Packages. The cabin is crowned by a standard power panoramic sunroof in the Avenir, although it is available as an add-on for other trims.
Where the Enclave really shines is the auditory experience of the cabin. The Buick Enclave features exclusive QuietTuning, which delivers a near-silent ride through double-paned glass and active noise cancellation. Premium suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) makes your ride even more comfortable. The Enclave Avenir also includes a standard 16-speaker Bose performance sound system, as opposed to the 12-speaker system standard on the Acadia across all trims.
Other high points on the Avenir include standard ambient lighting, a full rear lighting animation when unlocking the vehicle or opening the truck, and a Universal Home Remote, which creates a seamless experience with your home’s garage opener and security systems. Buick excels at making a completely immersive cabin experience that feels like home on the road to the consumer.
Wins for the GMC Acadia
The Enclave’s more outdoorsy cousin also received a redesign this past year, making the new Acadia boxier and even more rugged than its previous iteration. The new generation Acadia features a truck-like front fascia and an additional 10.6 inches of body length, leading to an extra 80% of cargo space behind the third row. There’s no true base model anymore– with the introduction of the Elevation trim, all three levels include some luxury amenities. As mentioned earlier, we’ll focus primarily on the AT4 trim, with some references to the Denali as a comparison to the Avenir’s features.
The Acadia AT4 is the only trim from either SUV that comes with standard AWD, which is easily its biggest draw. The AT4 trim package is built with navigating rough terrain in mind- it also comes with standard hill descent, beefy all-terrain tires with an extra 1” lift, recovery hooks, and Active Torque Control. The last feature allows the vehicle to provide selective power to one wheel at a time, in the event you get stuck in uneven terrain. AWD and active hill descent are only optional on the Enclave for an additional $2500, and the recovery hooks and Active Torque Control are available only on the Acadia AT4 between the two vehicles. While both vehicles are graded to tow up to 5,000 lbs, only the Acadia Denali comes standard with a towing package.
The interior is upholstered with a combination of perforated leather and Coretec fabric, which is meant to be easily wiped down in case of dirt. Weathertech floor mats would be right at home here. Many of the options that come standard on the Enclave Avenir are optional here if you’re looking for a more luxurious cabin experience, like the power panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting.
If you’re looking for the true luxury version of the Acadia, the Denali does come standard with many of the same features as the Enclave Avenir: standard power folding second and third rows, heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display, and more of the small creature comforts you would expect out of a luxury SUV. If you’re not wild about the combined 30” infotainment display in the Enclave, you might prefer the separate 11” driver information cluster and 15” tablet-style infotainment screen that comes standard across all trims of the Acadia.
If you’re looking for a more truly economical SUV, the Acadia fits the bill. Trim for trim, it has a starting MSRP around $2,500 lower than the Enclave. Factoring in the standard AWD and other mechanical improvements on the AT4, this SUV is well worth it.
Conclusions
If you’re looking for a luxurious family SUV that prioritizes a quiet, comfortable cabin with high quality materials, we recommend the Buick Enclave Avenir. While the Denali starts about $2,500 cheaper at base MSRP, the Avenir ends up being a more worthwhile deal with the standard sunroof, 22” wheels, performance sound system, and ambient lighting, along with exclusive Buick QuietTuning. If you were to order the Acadia Denali with the same optional features, it requires the SuperCruise and Denali Reserve packages, which cost an additional $6,620. Plus, we love the class-leading 30” screen in the Enclave.
However, if you plan on camping or off-roading at all, the GMC Acadia AT4 provides a level of capability that Buick can’t match. Standard AWD and hill descent, plus the tires and active torque control exclusive to this trim pack make this SUV a perfect fit for more challenging drives. MSRP starts at $52,595, a full $7,000 less than the Enclave Avenir, so you still have plenty of wiggle room to add interior features a la carte for a more luxurious experience.
Both makes are lovely, so it ultimately comes down to your personal style and how you see yourself using the vehicle. South San Antonio Buick GMC currently has several of both models in stock, so we’d love to have you by for a test drive or to give you a virtual tour! As always, call or text 726-600-8125 to chat with us.