Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 47 advantages that the Infiniti QX56 4WD has over the Buick Enclave AWD.
| MSRP Range | |
| Infiniti QX56 4WD | |
| Buick Enclave AWD | |
Engine
The QX56 4WD, with it's standard engine, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Enclave AWD with it's standard engine, 14.3 to 17.3. Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle.
Transmission
The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the QX56 4WD is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
WarrantyBasic Warranty
Infiniti's basic warranty provides better coverage than Buick's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| Spec | ||||
| Basic Warranty Miles | ||||
| QX56 4WD | 60000 | |||
| Enclave AWD | 50000 | |||
Powertrain Warranty
Infiniti's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Buick's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| Spec | ||||
| Powertrain Warranty Months | ||||
| QX56 4WD | 72 | |||
| Enclave AWD | 60 | |||
Corrosion Warranty
Infiniti's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Buick's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| Spec | ||||||
| Corrosion Warranty Months | Corrosion Warranty Miles | |||||
| QX56 4WD | 84 | Unlimited | ||||
| Enclave AWD | 72 | 100000 | ||||
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The QX56 4WD has a larger fuel tank than the Enclave AWD, 26.0 gal. vs. 22.0 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
Safety and SecurityAirbags
Both the QX56 4WD and the Enclave AWD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The QX56 4WD is heavier than the Enclave AWD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Spec | ||||
| Curb Weight AT | ||||
| QX56 4WD | 5,855 lbs. | |||
| Enclave AWD | 4,980 lbs. | |||
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The QX56 4WD is longer than the Enclave AWD, 208.3 in. vs. 201.8 in.
The QX56 4WD is equipped with Standard 4WD-SEL.
Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Optional equipment on the QX56 4WD but are Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
For improved driving safety in inclement weather, the QX56 4WD features Standard windshield wiper activated headlights - a system that automatically activates the parking lights and headlights after the wipers have been turned on. This feature is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD has Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD features Standard self-locking hubs, a feature that automatically engages the front wheel hubs when the driver shifts to 4-wheel drive, allowing the front wheels to transfer power. Self-locking hubs are Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The QX56 4WD has more interior space than the Enclave AWD in the following areas:
| Spec | ||||||||||||||||||
| Hip Room, Front | Shoulder Room, Front | Hip Room, 3rd row | Head Room, Rear | Hip Room, Rear | Leg Room, Rear | Shoulder Room, Rear | Shoulder Room, 3rd row | |||||||||||
| QX56 4WD | 59.2 in. | 63.8 in. | 48.8 in. | 40.0 in. | 58.4 in. | 41.0 in. | 63.5 in. | 60.5 in. | ||||||||||
| Enclave AWD | 57.4 in. | 62.0 in. | 48.3 in. | 39.0 in. | 57.0 in. | 36.9 in. | 61.4 in. | 57.4 in. | ||||||||||
Cargo Space
Owners of the QX56 4WD have the ability to increase the vehicle's interior cargo space by way of a Standard removable (or fold-flat) third row seat. This feature is Not Available with the Enclave AWD.
Payload and Towing
The QX56 4WD has a higher towing capacity than the Enclave AWD, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| Spec | ||||||
| Tow Capacity, Max | Tow Capacity, Std | |||||
| QX56 4WD | 8,500 lbs. | 8,500 lbs. | ||||
| Enclave AWD | 4,500 lbs. | 2,000 lbs. | ||||
The QX56 4WD has a higher payload capacity than the Enclave AWD, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.
| Spec | ||||||
| Payload Capacity, Max | Payload Capacity, Std | |||||
| QX56 4WD | 1645 lbs. | 1645 lbs. | ||||
| Enclave AWD | 1479 lbs. | 1479 lbs. | ||||
To compensate for the increased load placed upon the suspension during towing, the QX56 4WD has Standard automatic load-leveling, which automatically adjusts its suspension height for the best possible ride and handling.
Suspension and HandlingGeneral Suspension
The QX56 4WD features a Optional adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
Chassis
The QX56 4WD, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 9.2 in. vs. 8.4 in., is more capable than the Enclave AWD of traversing rough terrain without problems.
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the QX56 4WD is greater than that of the Enclave AWD. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| Spec | ||||||
| Track, Front | Track, Rear | |||||
| QX56 4WD | 67.5 in. | 67.9 in. | ||||
| Enclave AWD | 67.3 in. | 67.1 in. | ||||
The QX56 4WD's wheelbase is longer than the Enclave AWD's, 121.1 in. vs. 118.9 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
Wheels and Tires
The QX56 4WD features Standard chrome-plated wheels, for improved looks and increased value. Chrome-plated wheels are Optional on the Enclave AWD (Base, Convenience, Leather).
The QX56 4WD comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
AdvantagesAdditional Features
The QX56 4WD has a Standard front power memory seat. This feature allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. A front power memory seat is Not Available in the Enclave AWD (Base, Convenience).
A heated front seat is Standard in the QX56 4WD, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Enclave AWD (Base, Convenience).
The Optional cooled front seats in the QX56 4WD offer increased comfort on very hot days by reducing the temperature of the seating surface. Cooled front seats are Not Available in the Enclave AWD (Base, Convenience, Leather).
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the QX56 4WD but is Not Available in the Enclave AWD (Base, Convenience).
A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the QX56 4WD than the Enclave AWD, as shown below.
| Spec | ||||
| Navigational Aid | ||||
| QX56 4WD | Standard | |||
| Enclave AWD Base | Not Available | |||
| Enclave AWD Convenience | Not Available | |||
| Enclave AWD Leather | Optional | |||
| Enclave AWD Premium | Optional | |||
An integrated window antenna is Standard on the QX56 4WD, providing both good reception and resistance to theft and damage. This type of antenna is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.
The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the QX56 4WD allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
The QX56 4WD features Standard automatic tilt-away steering column which moves the steering column up and away from the driver allowing for easy entry and exit of the vehicle. This feature is Not Available in the Enclave AWD.
With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the QX56 4WD than in the Enclave AWD, as shown below:
| Spec | ||||
| Power Sunroof | ||||
| QX56 4WD | Standard | |||
| Enclave AWD Base | Not Available | |||
| Enclave AWD Convenience | Not Available | |||
| Enclave AWD Leather | Optional | |||
| Enclave AWD Premium | Optional | |||
The QX56 4WD features a Standard passenger-side exterior mirror that automatically tilts downward when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, improving the driver's rear vision. A tilt-down rearview mirror is Not Available on the Enclave AWD.