Buick's biggest vehicle, the Enclave, is a large, three-row, 7-passenger crossover. It's similar to the Chevrolet Traverse and competes with vehicles like the Acura MDX, Hyundai Palisade, Lexus RX, Mazda CX-90 and Volkswagen Atlas.
With prices that range from $46,000 to $58,000, the Enclave comes in Essence, Premium and Avenir trim. All are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 266 ln-ft of torque. Sole transmission is a 9-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive optional. When properly equipped, towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Standard safety features on all models includes blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning with brake intervention, lane-keeping assistance and safety-alert drive seat. The Essence comes with proximity key and push-button start, hands-free liftgate, leather upholstery, 3-zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Premium adds power-adjustable steering column, head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, 10-speaker Bose audio system and digital rear-view mirrors. Avenir adds Sunroof, navigation system and adaptive cruise control.
Enclave's tried-and-true V6 is a bit of an outlier in a sea of turbocharged 4-cylinder competition. That's not to say it isn't competitive. In fact, the engine provides a reasonable 0 to 60 MPH time of 7.5 seconds and enough passing punch to keep up on the highway. Like any large crossover, acceleration is blunted by adding a full passenger load, but the smooth and refined engine never feels taxed and mates well to the slick-shifting 9-speed automatic.
Fuel economy comes in at an EPA combined number of 20 MPG (17/25 MPG city/highway) That's better than most rivals and Enclave runs fine on regular-grade gasoline -- another plus. In routine suburban commuting, expect to average slightly better than 20 MPG overall. In straight highway driving it's easy to better the EPA's 25 MPG estimate. Front-drive models get a large 19.4-gallon fuel tank while all-wheel drive models get a massive 21.7-gallon tank.
Enclave's all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and it is not intended for off-road driving. However, the system does quickly re-route power to the wheels with the best traction in slippery conditions.
Buick prides itself on "quiet comfort" and Enclave is the best execution of that to date. IN fact, the ride is so comfortable and quiet that you often forget Enclave isn't a pure-luxury vehicle costing thousands more. Conversely, Enclave is far from sporty -- though why you'd want a 200-inch long, 2,500 pound family cruiser to be sporty is a different question. Still the adaptive suspension does an excellent job of keeping Enclave on an even keel in quick transitions and the shocks have enough control to minimize secondary body motions. The brakes are easy to control, but it took a long 136 feet to stop from 60 mph. Steering is appropriately light at low speeds and offers good high-speed stability, but it is a trifle slow in switchbacks.
The ride comfort is exceptional. There's lots of compliance in the suspension. In addition interior noise levels are extremely low with just a trace of wind and tire noise on the highway.
Far from modern, Enclave's interior is more of a living room on wheels. Materials are more than price appropriate, and the design is fresh enough to be competitive -- even if the infotainment screen is on the small side. The build quality was exceptional.
With a roomy interior and extremely comfortable seats, Enclave aims to coddle passengers. First- and second-row seats offer ample head and leg room. Third-row room is average, but the Hyundai Palisade and Volkswagen Atlas are more adult-friendly. Entry/Exit from the first- or second-row seats is a snap thanks to the Enclave's relatively low ride height and large doors. Entering the third row isn't terrible, however only the passenger-side second-row chair has an easy-release mechanism. Outward visibility is good, but a high beltline and pinched rear-quarter windows hamper the view somewhat. An available surround-view camera is nice in parking lots.
With an "old-school" dashboard layout, Enclave is refreshingly simple to drive. Driver's face a large and readable gauge cluster, the embedded touchscreen is within easy reach and there are separate controls for the audio and climate control. Despite the age of the design, Enclave goes all-in on smartphone connectivity. It offers 6 USB ports, wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard.
Cargo space is a huge Enclave plus. It offers 23.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a mammoth 97.4 cubic feet with all the rows folded. The load floor is flat, but somewhat choppy given the seating arrangement. And, like many luxury crossovers, Enclave offers electronically folding third-row seats and power tailgate, which is a nice convenience. Small-item storage is good with the highlight being the two-tier center armrest bin. The bonus storage compartment underneath the shifter is made possible by Buick's fully electronic shifter.
Bottom Line -- Sometimes forgotten in a sea of newer competition, Enclave remains an extremely solid choice for families looking for an upscale-but-still-affordable large crossover. Build quality, features and refinement are hallmarks, but the Enclave isn't ashamed to go toe-to-toe with more-expensive competitors like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX. Prices are on the reasonable side and discounts are actually available.
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