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The 2026 Buick Enclave and the Kia Telluride both compete for the same spot in Upstate SC driveways. Each is a three-row SUV built to handle school drop-off in Greenville, a weekend trip toward Table Rock, and everything in between. Parks Buick GMC Greenville has watched both models earn loyal followings among local families. The choice between them usually comes down to what you value most behind the wheel.
This guide breaks down how the Enclave and Telluride compare on power, interior space, technology, safety, and price. You will see where the two SUVs land close together and where one clearly pulls ahead. By the end, you should have a clear read on which one fits your family, your commute, and your budget better.
The Enclave's turbocharged four-cylinder makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, ahead of the Telluride's 291-horsepower V6.
Buick's QuietTuning noise cancellation and a 30-inch diagonal OLED display give the Enclave a more refined feel inside.
The Enclave beats the Telluride behind the third row, the second row, and with both rows folded flat.
Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, so hauling a small boat or camper is not a deciding factor either way.
The Telluride's base price comes in well under the Enclave's, a real advantage for budget-focused shoppers.
The Telluride seats up to eight with its bench-seat configuration, one more than the Enclave's seven.
| Specification | 2026 Buick Enclave | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (before DPH, taxes, fees) | $48,395 | $39,190 |
| Max Horsepower / Torque | 328 hp / 326 lb-ft | 291 hp / 262 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy (est.) | 22 mpg combined (FWD) | 20 city / 27 hwy (FWD) |
| Max Cargo Space | 97.5 cu ft | 87 cu ft |
| Overall Length / Wheelbase | 207.6 in / 120.93 in | 199.2 in / 116.9 in |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Towing Capacity (properly equipped) | Up to 5,000 lbs | Up to 5,000 lbs (5,500 lbs on X-Pro) |
| Basic Warranty Coverage | 3-yr / 36,000-mile | 5-yr / 60,000-mile |
*Starting MSRP figures exclude destination and processing handling (DPH), taxes, title, and fees, and are subject to change without notice. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates and actual mileage will vary. Contact Parks Buick GMC Greenville to confirm current pricing and availability.
The Enclave and Telluride both send power through an 8-speed automatic transmission, but they get there differently. Buick's turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, more than Kia's 3.8-liter V6 at 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. That torque advantage shows up when you merge onto I-85 with a full third row or climb toward the foothills on a weekend trip.
Towing tells a more even story. Both SUVs tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, so a small boat or camper trailer is within reach either way. Telluride's X-Pro trim bumps that figure to 5,500 pounds. For most Upstate families, though, the Enclave's stronger everyday power matters more than a towing spec neither vehicle is likely to max out.
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Step inside either SUV and you will find a modern three-row interior, but the Enclave leans further into Buick's quiet-luxury positioning. Its 30-inch diagonal OLED display stretches across the dash, paired with a 12-speaker Bose audio system. QuietTuning noise cancellation keeps highway drone out of the cabin. Tri-zone climate control and heated front seats come standard.
The Telluride counters with Kia's Highway Driving Assist 2 and a 360-degree surround view monitor, useful for tight parking around downtown Greenville. It is a capable setup on its own. Side by side, though, the Enclave's cabin feels like the more premium place to spend a daily commute. That gap is exactly what Buick is aiming to create.
Families cross-shopping the Enclave and Telluride are usually thinking about the same question: will everyone and everything actually fit? The Enclave's third row offers 38.3 inches of headroom and 32 inches of legroom. Its cargo hold beats the Telluride at every measurement, too. Behind the third row, the Enclave offers 22.9 cubic feet to the Telluride's 21, and maximum cargo space runs 97.5 cubic feet versus 87.
The Telluride answers with seating capacity instead of cargo room. Its bench-seat layout holds up to eight passengers, one more than the Enclave's seven-seat maximum. If you routinely carpool a full team, that extra seat could decide it. If gear for a Lake Keowee weekend is the priority, the Enclave's extra cargo room wins out.
Spec sheets only tell part of the story, so it helps to see what independent reviewers and long-term owners report.
J.D. Power's 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study ranked Buick the top mass-market brand overall. The Enclave itself won its Upper Midsize SUV category, posting 160 problems per 100 vehicles against an industry average of 204.
Consumer Reports sees it differently for the newly redesigned Enclave. It pulled the model's Recommended rating for 2026, citing owner-reported transmission issues. The Telluride earned an 85 out of 100 reliability score from J.D. Power, among the best in its class.
Long-term reliability weighs differently for every buyer. Ask your Parks Buick GMC Greenville advisor about current warranty and service coverage before you decide.
Both the Enclave and Telluride come standard with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. Neither buyer is settling for a bare-bones safety suite. The Enclave adds highway-speed AEB, a Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to warn the driver, and Super Cruise available for hands-free highway driving. The Telluride pairs its safety suite with Highway Driving Assist 2 and its own 360-degree monitor.
Warranty coverage is where the two diverge the most. Kia backs the Telluride with a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty, well ahead of the Enclave's 3-year, 36,000-mile coverage, plus a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It is a real advantage for buyers who weigh coverage heavily in their decision.
Resale value is where the Telluride holds a real edge. Kelley Blue Book projects it retains about 47 percent of its value after five years, one of the best marks in its class. The Enclave, by contrast, has a reputation for above-average depreciation compared to rivals like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
Buick narrows the gap on day-to-day ownership. Every new Enclave includes two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, covering oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. Kia's complimentary coverage varies by model year, so confirm current terms with your Kia dealer.
Sticker price is only one part of the ownership equation. Parks Buick GMC Greenville can walk you through financing and protection options for the Enclave.
Price is often the first filter for Enclave and Telluride shoppers, and it is worth stating plainly: the Telluride starts lower. Kia's LX trim opens near $39,190, while the Enclave's Preferred trim starts near $48,395, both figures before DPH, taxes, and fees.
What that gap buys is the real question. The Enclave's extra cargo room, stronger engine, and quieter cabin reflect Buick's attainable-luxury positioning: more refinement without stepping up to a full luxury badge. Greenville, Simpsonville, and Greer families who want that extra polish will notice it in daily driving. The value shows up in how the SUV feels day to day, beyond the sticker price.
Parks Buick GMC Greenville has helped Upstate SC families weigh exactly this tradeoff since 1967. Stop by our Laurens Road showroom to sit in both segments' best sellers and decide for yourself.
Either way, you are getting a three-row SUV built for Upstate SC family life. Parks Buick GMC Greenville can help you compare both in person before you decide.
Choosing between two solid three-row SUVs usually comes down to a handful of specific questions, not a single deciding factor. Here is what Upstate shoppers ask us most when weighing the Enclave against the Telluride.
2640 Laurens RdGreenville, SC 29607
Parks Buick GMC Greenville has served Upstate SC families since 1967, and our Laurens Road showroom is a short drive from Simpsonville, Greer, and Easley. Browse our current Enclave inventory to see available trims and colors. Or schedule a test drive to feel the difference in cabin quiet and cargo room for yourself. Our sales team can also walk you through a full spec comparison if you are still deciding between the Enclave and other three-row SUVs.