Buick Enclave

Overview: Is the Buick Enclave a Good SUV?

After the discontinuation of the LaCrosse sedan in 2019, the Enclave has served as Buick’s flagship vehicle. Since then, the three-row Enclave has anchored the brand’s near-luxury position, slotting between mainstream Chevrolet and premium Cadillac among GM’s lineup. The Enclave has proved popular over the years, offering midsize SUV capabilities and upscale features with a more moderate price tag. It shares its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia. Buick’s all-crossover lineup also includes the Envista, Encore GX, and Envision.

This overview covers the two generations of the Buick Enclave:

• Buick Enclave first generation: 2008-2017
• Buick Enclave second generation: 2018-2024

An all-new third-generation Enclave is set to be released for the 2025 model year, promising further advancements in design, technology, and performance.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Buick Enclave cars for sale.

Find a used Buick Enclave near me.

Related: How Long Do Buick Enclaves Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Buick Enclave offers:

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row configuration with seating for six or seven passengers
• 3.6-liter V6 engine
• Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Six-speed automatic (first generation) or nine-speed automatic (second generation) transmission

Trims

Buick Enclave trims have varied across generations but typically include the base model (Convenience or Essence), Premium, and the luxurious Avenir. Higher trims offer additional features, such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Buick Enclave's interior, particularly with the second generation, emphasizes refinement while offering space and versatility. The first and second rows are welcoming, with ample legroom and headroom. However, the third row provides adequate room for adults on shorter trips. Among newer editions, the Enclave's infotainment system features a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. More recent Enclaves also have advanced driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Cargo space is generous, up to 97.6 cubic feet behind the first row.

Review: Here Are The Buick Enclave Years To Avoid

How It Drives

Drivers will find that the Buick Enclave SUV delivers a composed ride that leans towards comfort and smoothness over sportiness. This trademark Buick characteristic is enhanced by a suspension tuned to absorb road imperfections and maintain a stable ride, even on rough surfaces. Meanwhile, the standard V6 engine provides ample power for merging and passing, adding to behind-the-wheel confidence. While the Enclave’s base front-wheel drive is more than adequate for most driving situations, those who regularly deal with challenging road conditions will want the assurance of all-wheel drive.

Safety

The Buick Enclave earned a top five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Reviews

Buick Enclave reviews on Kelley Blue Book are strong, with both generations having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. Owners have good things to say about the Enclave’s reliability, quality, performance, and styling.

Learn More: The Best Year For The Buick Enclave

Buick Enclave FAQs

What is the difference between Buick Enclave and Buick Enclave Avenir?

The Buick Enclave Avenir is the top-of-the-line trim, offering additional luxury features and premium materials compared to the standard Enclave. The Avenir trim includes exclusive styling elements, such as a unique grille and wheels, as well as upgraded amenities like premium leather upholstery, a dual moonroof, and a 360-degree camera system on later editions.

What is the Essence package on Buick Enclave?

The Essence package, available on the base trim of the second-generation Buick Enclave, adds several premium features to enhance comfort and convenience. This package typically includes leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a remote start.

How long do Buick Enclaves last?

Buick Enclave reliability is generally good, enabling this SUV to last from 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Longevity is affected by driving habits, climate, and maintenance routines.

How does the Buick Enclave price compare to the Chevrolet Traverse?

With a new Enclave starting at around $44,000, this three-row Buick SUV costs considerably more than a Traverse, with its approximate $37,000 base MSRP. The Buick Enclave vs Chevy Traverse price difference is due to Buick’s more premium position in GM’s lineup and the Enclave's more standard features.

Is the Buick Enclave bigger than the Acura MDX?

Yes, the Buick Enclave is slightly larger than the Acura MDX in terms of overall length and interior space. The Enclave offers more passenger and cargo volume, particularly in the third row and cargo area, making it a more spacious option when all three rows are required.

Check out a used Buick Enclave for sale.