Families shopping for a three-row SUV in British Columbia have no shortage of options, but the choice between the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes down to more than seat count. These two vehicles share the same basic job description — carry the family, haul the gear, stay connected — but they go about it in noticeably different ways.

The Enclave arrives with a 30-inch ultra-wide display, standard AWD across every trim, and a 328 hp 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Grand Highlander GAS brings its own credentials: a well-proven 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder putting out 265 hp, plus standard AWD and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 on every grade. Both are worth considering — but one of them fits the needs of drivers on Vancouver Island more precisely.

At a Glance: 2026 Enclave vs. 2026 Grand Highlander

Spec	2026 Buick Enclave	2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Engine	2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder	2.4L Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	328 hp	265 hp
Torque	326 lb-ft	310 lb-ft
Standard Drivetrain	AWD (all trims)	AWD (all trims)
Max Cargo (seats folded)	2,760 L	2,761 L
Towing Capacity	Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)	5,000 lbs (2,268 kg)
Main Screen	30-inch ultra-wide	12.3-inch
Seating	Up to 7	7 or 8

Power and Performance

The 2026 Buick Enclave runs a 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That power moves through standard AWD regardless of which trim you pick — Preferred, Sport Touring, or Avenir.

The Grand Highlander GAS uses a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, also with an 8-speed automatic. It’s a capable unit, but the Enclave’s 63 additional horsepower is a meaningful difference on the Malahat or the Coquihalla.

• Enclave: 328 hp, 326 lb-ft torque, 8-speed automatic, AWD standard
• Grand Highlander Gas: 265 hp, 310 lb-ft torque, 8-speed automatic, AWD standard

Technology and Interior Experience

This is where the Enclave separates itself. The 30-inch diagonal ultra-wide display — standard on every Enclave trim — is the largest screen in its class and integrates the infotainment and driver information systems into a single sweeping interface. Google built-in compatibility is included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system on Preferred and Sport Touring (16-speaker Bose Performance Series on Avenir).

Available Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology on all three Enclave trims is another standout. No Toyota Grand Highlander grade offers hands-free highway driving.

The Grand Highlander counters with Toyota Multimedia on a 12.3-inch screen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL audio system on Limited and above. It’s well-executed, but the screen size gap is significant for families who spend a lot of time in the vehicle.

Cargo, Seating, and Everyday Versatility

Both SUVs land in nearly identical territory for maximum cargo — the Enclave at 2,760 L with all seats folded, the Grand Highlander at 2,761 L. For day-to-day life on Vancouver Island, both handle costco runs, hockey gear, and camping weekends equally well.

Seating differs slightly. The Enclave seats up to seven. The Grand Highlander offers seven-passenger captain’s chair configurations and an eight-passenger bench-seat option. Families who need to squeeze in eight will find the Toyota’s flexibility useful; families who prefer individual seating in row two will be well-served by either.

Safety Features

Both vehicles arrive with thorough standard safety suites. The Enclave includes Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, HD Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard across all trims.

The Grand Highlander leads with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, covering Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist as standard on all grades.

Both are strong. The Enclave adds HD Surround Vision — a multi-camera birds-eye view — as a standard feature across the lineup, which many competitors reserve for upper trims.

Which SUV Makes More Sense for Drivers in Duncan?

For families in Duncan and across Vancouver Island looking for more technology in their three-row SUV, the 2026 Buick Enclave is the stronger choice. The 30-inch ultra-wide display, the 63-hp power advantage, and the availability of Super Cruise put the Enclave in a different category for long-haul highway driving. Towing capacity matches the Grand Highlander at 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg), and the standard AWD on every trim keeps things straightforward.

The Grand Highlander brings a proven hybrid powertrain in its upper grades, and its eight-passenger option is genuinely useful for large families — areas where the Toyota earns respect. But for drivers on Vancouver Island who prioritize interior technology, driving power, and an available hands-free highway experience, the Enclave is the more complete package.

See the 2026 Buick Enclave at Island Chevrolet Buick GMC in Duncan

The 2026 Buick Enclave is available at Island Chevrolet Buick GMC, serving drivers throughout Duncan and Vancouver Island. Drop by the dealership to explore the Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims in person — or give the team a call to find the configuration that fits your family’s next adventure.