Navigating the busy corridors of Northwest Arkansas requires a vehicle that can handle more than just a commute. Whether you’re dropping the kids off at school in Springdale or preparing for a long weekend at Beaver Lake, you need an SUV that balances high-capacity seating with premium comfort. Two of the most talked-about options this year are the 2026 Buick Enclave and the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
At Crain Buick GMC of Springdale, we believe a family vehicle should feel like a reward, not just a tool. While the Toyota Grand Highlander is a respected name for its utility, the recently redesigned 2026 Buick Enclave has shifted the goalposts for what a bigger SUV can offer. By merging high-end luxury with massive interior volume, the Enclave provides a more refined alternative for NWA families who want to upgrade their daily driving experience.
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
In fast-growing areas like Cave Springs and Tontitown, you need a vehicle that feels stable and composed, giving you total peace of mind regardless of traffic or weather. The 2026 Buick Enclave moves away from the boxy look of traditional SUVs, opting instead for a sleek, scaled-up design inspired by European luxury crossovers. With new 2026 tones like Iridescent White and Stone Metallic, it offers a sophisticated silhouette that stands out in any Northwest Arkansas parking lot.
The Toyota Grand Highlander takes a different path, sticking to a rugged, square-jawed aesthetic. It’s built to look tough and maximize every square inch of space. While the Toyota looks ready for a trek into the Ozarks, the Enclave looks equally at home at a nice dinner in downtown Bentonville or a Saturday morning in Rogers. For those who want their SUV to feel like a high-class statement, the Enclave’s premium Avenir trim details offer a level of curb appeal the Toyota simply doesn’t target.
- Buick Enclave: A sophisticated, scaled-up luxury design with sleek lines and premium metallic finishes.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: A rugged and boxy utilitarian look designed to maximize visible interior volume.
Ride Comfort and Driving Experience
The driving experience in Northwest Arkansas often involves a mix of stop-and-go traffic and high-speed stretches on I-49. This is where Buick’s engineering really pays off. The 2026 Enclave is built with QuietTuning technology, a suite of acoustic treatments and sound deadening that keeps the wind and road noise out of the cabin. The result is a ride that feels isolated from the chaos of the road, particularly in the Avenir trim with its adaptive dampers.
In contrast, the Grand Highlander offers a ride that is predictable and steady. It is a pleasant vehicle to drive, but it lacks the specialized insulation that makes the Enclave feel like a sanctuary. While the Toyota’s light steering makes it easy to handle in a Springdale grocery store lot, the Buick offers a more composed, heavy luxury feel that provides more confidence at highway speeds.
- Buick Enclave: Prioritizes a library-quiet cabin and a soft, cloud-like ride that smoothes out NWA roads.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Offers a settled, clinical driving experience that is practical for daily errand running.
Interior Comfort and Space
Inside, both SUVs offer massive three-row layouts, but the Buick focuses more on the first-class experience for every passenger.
- Buick Enclave: Features a cabin designed to feel open and airy. The top-tier Avenir model includes stunning two-tone interior schemes like Cool Gray and Mocha, paired with standard heated and ventilated front seating.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Built for maximum passenger count, offering an eight-passenger option with a second-row bench, which is great for large carpools but can feel a bit more crowded.
The Toyota is a master of cargo space, but the Enclave is a master of atmosphere. With ambient lighting and premium materials throughout, the Enclave feels like a luxury lounge on wheels.
Technology and Connectivity
If you love tech, there is a clear winner in this comparison.
- Enclave Technology: Every 2026 Enclave features a breathtaking 30-inch curved diagonal display. This screen is the largest in its class and puts all your navigation and media in one seamless, high-resolution view.
- Grand Highlander Technology: Uses a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. It’s a solid system, but compared to the Enclave’s panoramic display, it feels like a tablet from five years ago.
For those who enjoy a premium soundtrack for their drives to Fayetteville, the Enclave comes standard with a 12-speaker Bose system, whereas the Toyota starts with a basic 6-speaker setup.
- Buick Enclave: Boasts a class-leading 30-inch curved screen and a high-end Bose audio experience.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Features a standard 12.3-inch display and a simpler, 6-speaker sound system.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both brands take safety seriously, but Buick offers a futuristic convenience that Toyota doesn’t. While the Grand Highlander comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the Buick Enclave offers available Super Cruise. This is GM’s hands-free driving technology that allows you to take your hands off the wheel on compatible highways. This is perfect for those long stretches of I-49 between Bentonville and Fort Smith.
- Buick Enclave: Offers available Super Cruise hands-free driving and a standard rear-view camera mirror on high trims.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Features standard adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.
Performance and Power
When you’re merging onto the highway or climbing the hills of Northwest Arkansas, horsepower matters.
- The Enclave Edge: Every 2026 Enclave is powered by a 328-horsepower turbocharged engine.
- The Toyota Side: The gas-powered Grand Highlander produces 265 horsepower.
That 63-horsepower difference is significant. It means the Enclave feels more energetic and responsive, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with seven people and their gear. While the Toyota is slightly more fuel-efficient on the highway, most drivers will prefer the extra muscle the Buick provides for daily driving.
- Buick Enclave: A robust 328-horsepower engine provides effortless passing power on NWA hills.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: A 265-horsepower engine focused on steady utility and fuel economy.
The Verdict: Why Springdale Families Choose the Enclave
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a great tool for the job, but the 2026 Buick Enclave is a better vehicle for the family. It offers a level of power, technology, and refined quiet that the Toyota simply cannot match. With its massive 30-inch display and 328-horsepower engine, the Enclave makes every trip through Northwest Arkansas feel like a high-class upgrade.
FAQs
Q: How many people can the Enclave seat?
A: The 2026 Enclave comfortably seats seven passengers across three rows, offering some of the best interior space in its class.
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 offers 265 horsepower.
Q: Is hands-free driving available in Springdale?
A: Yes, the Buick Enclave offers available Super Cruise, which works on many compatible highways throughout Arkansas.
Experience the Enclave at Crain Buick GMC of Springdale
Ready to see why the Enclave is the talk of Northwest Arkansas? Visit Crain Buick GMC of Springdale today. We also have other Buick models like the Envision or Envista. Whether you’re coming from Fayetteville, Rogers, or Bentonville, our team is here to help you find the perfect luxury SUV. Take a test drive today!
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