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Buick Enclave — US review

Buick Enclave Review

Specs, Features, Pros & Verdict

Buick US review Edited by

Vehicle Overview

SegmentMid-size 3-row SUV
Body Style5-door, 7-passenger SUV
Model Year2024 (second generation, post-2022 facelift)
Trim Levels (U.S.)Essence, Premium, Avenir

The Buick Enclave is Buick’s largest and most luxurious SUV, positioned above the Encore GX and Envision. It offers three rows of comfortable seating, strong V6 performance, and an impressively quiet ride — ideal for families who want space and refinement without paying full luxury-brand prices.

The 2024 Enclave continues the elegant, feature-rich formula from the 2022 refresh, with bold styling, refined materials, and Buick’s signature QuietTuning cabin insulation. It rivals the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot Elite, Mazda CX-90, and Volvo XC90.

Key Specifications

VariantEnginePower / TorqueTransmissionDrivetrainFuel Economy (MPG)
All Trims3.6L V6 (naturally aspirated)310 hp / 266 lb-ft9-speed automaticFWD / AWD21 combined (18 city / 26 highway FWD)
PlatformGM C1XX (shared with Chevrolet Traverse)
Dimensions (L×W×H)204.8 × 78.8 × 69.9 in
Wheelbase120.9 in
Curb Weight~4,565 lbs (FWD)
Towing Capacity5,000 lbs (with tow package)
Cargo Capacity23.6 cu ft (behind 3rd row) / 97.4 cu ft (max)

Exterior Design

The Buick Enclave’s styling is elegant and confident, aimed squarely at buyers seeking luxury-level presence without ostentation.

Highlights include

Bold waterfall-inspired grille with chrome or dark finishes

Signature LED daytime running lights and full LED headlights

Sculpted side profile with subtle chrome detailing

Handsome 18–20” alloy wheels

Hands-free power liftgate with Buick logo projection

Avenir trim adds mesh grille, body-color accents, and unique 20-inch wheels

The Enclave’s design balances sophistication and practicality, giving it a timeless, upscale aesthetic.

Interior, Comfort & Materials

Inside, the Enclave feels airy, spacious, and refined — with premium craftsmanship throughout.

Soft-touch dashboard with wood or brushed-aluminum accents

Leather-appointed seats (Essence) or perforated leather (Premium, Avenir)

Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats (Avenir)

Heated 2nd-row captain’s chairs

Tri-zone automatic climate control

QuietTuning noise-cancellation technology

Panoramic sunroof with rear skylight (available)

Power-folding 3rd-row seats (Premium & Avenir)

Every seat is supportive, with plenty of legroom even in the third row — one of the roomiest in the class.

Features & Infotainment

8-inch Buick Infotainment touchscreen (standard)

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Built-in Amazon Alexa voice control

Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Bose 10-speaker premium audio system (Premium & Avenir)

Wireless charging pad

8-inch digital driver display

Head-Up Display (Avenir trim)

OnStar connected services & MyBuick app

Multiple USB ports in all rows

The interface is clean, quick, and reliable — one of the more user-friendly setups in the segment.

Safety & Ratings

NHTSA★★★★★ (5-Star Overall Safety Rating)
IIHS“Good” ratings across crash categories

Standard Buick Driver Confidence Plus

Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Braking

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning

Following Distance Indicator

Front Pedestrian Braking

Automatic High Beams

Available / Avenir Additions

Adaptive Cruise Control

HD Surround Vision (360° camera)

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert & Side Blind-Zone Alert

Enhanced Auto Parking Assist

Rear Pedestrian Alert

Driving Performance & Handling

The 3.6L V6 engine delivers smooth, confident acceleration, particularly when merging or towing. Power delivery is linear, and the 9-speed automatic is refined, with minimal gear hunting.

Ride quality is supple and quiet, thanks to the long wheelbase and acoustic insulation. Steering is light yet accurate, and AWD models add enhanced grip and stability in inclement weather.

While not sporty, the Enclave prioritizes comfort and serenity, excelling as a long-distance family cruiser.

Fuel Efficiency

FWD21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway)
AWD20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway)

Fuel economy is reasonable for a large, naturally aspirated V6 SUV, aided by active grille shutters and a start-stop system.

Practicality & Everyday Usability

Seating for 7 (2-2-3 configuration)

23.6 cu ft cargo space (behind 3rd row)

97.4 cu ft maximum cargo capacity

Smart Slide 2nd-row seats for easy 3rd-row access

Power hands-free tailgate

Numerous cupholders and storage bins

Flat-folding 2nd and 3rd rows

The Enclave’s interior flexibility and generous storage make it one of the most practical family SUVs in its class.

Warranty & Maintenance

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion Protection6 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance5 years / 60,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance1 service visit (first year)

Price & Value for Money

MSRP (2024 U.S.)

Essence — $45,295

Premium — $50,195

Avenir — $59,195

The Enclave’s pricing undercuts premium 3-row SUVs while delivering comparable space, comfort, and technology — especially in Avenir form, which feels truly luxury-grade.

Comparison with Rivals

ModelPower (hp)SeatingCargo (cu ft)Starting Price
Buick Enclave310797.4$45,295
Acura MDX290771.4$50,150
Mazda CX-90280–3406–874.2$39,595
Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy291786.4$52,100
Volvo XC90247–295785.7$56,000

The Enclave offers exceptional space, comfort, and features per dollar, making it one of the most practical premium 3-row SUVs on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Spacious, quiet, and luxurious interior

Smooth V6 engine and composed ride

Excellent third-row comfort and cargo space

Generous standard safety tech

Strong value compared to luxury rivals

Cons

No hybrid or EV option

Infotainment screen smaller than newer rivals

Handling tuned for comfort over sportiness

Overall Rating

4.7 / 5 Stars – A refined, spacious, and value-packed 3-row SUV that delivers luxury comfort without the luxury price tag.

Research review

True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.

Final Verdict

The Buick Enclave remains a compelling choice for families seeking premium comfort and generous space. It’s quiet, capable, and feature-rich, with a focus on relaxation and refinement rather than aggression or sportiness.

More Buick reviews: Buick Encore GX Review, Buick Envision Review and Buick Envista Review.

The Avenir trim transforms it into a near-luxury experience — ideal for those who want a premium three-row SUV without stepping into full luxury-brand territory.

2026 Buick Enclave price, trims and standard features

For 2026, the Buick Enclave is sold in Preferred, Sport Touring and Avenir trims, with the same turbocharged powertrain introduced with the 2025 redesign. Edmunds and TrueCar list the 2026 Enclave from about 48,095 dollars for Preferred to about 61,495 dollars for Avenir. All-wheel drive is optional rather than standard, and Edmunds and TrueCar put its added cost at about 2,000 dollars on each trim. That gives buyers a straightforward choice between front-wheel drive and added all-wheel-drive traction without changing the underlying engine or transmission.

The current Enclave's major mechanical and cabin changes arrived for the 2025 model year rather than 2026. WTOP's review of the redesign and Buick's model pages describe a longer and wider third-generation Enclave powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft, replacing the previous 3.6-liter V6. Those same sources list an eight-speed automatic, standard front-wheel drive, optional all-wheel drive and a 30-inch diagonal display combining the digital gauge cluster and infotainment. Buick also introduced available Super Cruise hands-free driving on the Enclave with this generation.

2026 trimStarting priceSource
PreferredAbout 48,095 dollarsEdmunds and TrueCar
AvenirAbout 61,495 dollarsEdmunds and TrueCar
All-wheel driveAbout 2,000 dollars extra on each trimEdmunds and TrueCar

2027 Buick Enclave changes and how it compares with rivals

The 2027 Buick Enclave is a carryover rather than another redesign, according to GM Authority reporting from July 2026. Its most important equipment change is that the Super Cruise package becomes standard on Avenir while remaining optional on Preferred and Sport Touring. GM Authority lists the 2027 Avenir at 65,295 dollars with front-wheel drive and 67,295 dollars with all-wheel drive, both representing a 3,300 dollar increase over the corresponding 2026 MSRP. GM Authority attributes that increase to Super Cruise becoming standard on the Avenir rather than to a new generation or new powertrain.

GM Authority also reports several targeted 2027 updates that may matter to buyers comparing model years. The infotainment system gains the Google Gemini assistant, Emerald Green replaces Smokey Amethyst, and Blue Onyx replaces Ocean Blue. Two new wheel designs arrive, including an Avenir-only 22-inch Pearl Nickel design. Buyers cross-shopping three-row SUVs also have lower-priced entry points elsewhere: Cars.com lists the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse LT from 42,695 dollars including destination, Edmunds and iSeeCars list the Honda Pilot Sport from 42,395 dollars, and Edmunds and Cars.com list the Toyota Grand Highlander from 42,260 dollars.

2026 three-row SUVStarting priceSource
Chevrolet Traverse LT42,695 dollars including destinationCars.com
Honda Pilot Sport42,395 dollarsEdmunds and iSeeCars
Toyota Grand Highlander42,260 dollarsEdmunds and Cars.com
Buick Enclave PreferredAbout 48,095 dollarsEdmunds and TrueCar

More Buick reviews: Buick Encore GX Review. Our cost calculators can model a specific Enclave trim.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 2026 Buick Enclave cost?
Edmunds and TrueCar list the 2026 Buick Enclave from about 48,095 dollars for the Preferred trim to about 61,495 dollars for Avenir. Those sources also list all-wheel drive at about 2,000 dollars extra on each trim, while front-wheel drive remains standard.
What engine does the 2026 Buick Enclave have?
WTOP's review of the redesigned Enclave and Buick's model pages list a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional.
Is Super Cruise standard on the Buick Enclave?
GM Authority reported in July 2026 that Super Cruise becomes standard on the 2027 Enclave Avenir. It remains optional on the Preferred and Sport Touring trims. The technology first became available on a Buick with the third-generation Enclave, according to Buick's model information.
Is the 2027 Buick Enclave a redesign?
No. GM Authority reported in July 2026 that the 2027 Enclave is a carryover year with targeted updates rather than a redesign. Changes include standard Super Cruise on Avenir, the Google Gemini assistant, new exterior colors and two new wheel designs.

Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.