Overview
The 2024 Enclave is Buick’s entry into the ultra-competitive mid-size luxury SUV game. The largest SUV in Buick’s lineup, the Enclave brings a roomy six- or seven-passenger interior, handsome styling and a value-oriented price, but it lacks the nuances that best define the segment. Instead, the Enclave joins vehicles like the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 in the premium zone just below the luxury flagship. There’s pressure from below, too, with luxury versions of the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and even the new Toyota Grand Highlander entering its territory. Still, the cabin is very quiet, the ride is smooth, and the standard 3.6-liter V-6, the only available engine, keeps everything moving without fuss. An inexpensive list of standard features and ample cargo space help the Enclave make a case for itself, but buyers cross-shopping similarly sized SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo will find the Enclave’s offerings lack the polish that makes those European offerings more desirable.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 Enclave is unchanged for the 2024 model year. The company has confirmed that a new third-generation Enclave will appear for the 2025 model year, but the exact timeline for its development is currently unknown—and it’s not known whether it will be a conventional gas-powered SUV or EVs.
Price and Which One to Buy
The Enclave lineup of three trims casts a wide net from family transportation to near-premium luxury. Unfortunately, the top-of-the-line Avenir, even with its base price of nearly $60k, is outshone by competitors, including its kissing cousin, the Cadillac XT6. For that reason, we will use the Essence base model value. It brings a surprising number of standard amenities, including Wi-Fi, wireless charging, leather seats and a heated steering wheel, and six USB ports. We’d recommend splurging on the Sport Touring package, which replaces the 18-inch tires with fancier 20-inchers and adds body-colored door handles for a more streamlined look. There’s also a trailer package (obstacle, heavy-duty engine cooling, tow/haul driving mode and a special obstacle view for the backup camera) that increases the maximum towing rating to 5000 pounds. Adding all-wheel drive is a $2000 upgrade, regardless of trim.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
All Enclaves rely on a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission for motivation. Rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, it’s not sophisticated by any means but carries enough thrust to merge without worry, and its reserved nature keeps the cabin quiet in more typical conditions. Pushing on our test track, the V-6 in our Avenir test vehicle managed to complete the sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The suspension is well tuned, but the Enclave knows its audience and prioritizes comfort and a luxurious ride over sharp reflexes. Still, the steering is crisp, which helps the three-row SUV hide its mass; mind you it’s not in the same league as the Audi Q7 or BMW X5 in terms of dynamics. Then again, the softer tune ensures that rough pavement is delivered with minimal jolts or shudders entering the cabin. The Buick can tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
The EPA pegs the Enclave’s fuel economy at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (17 and 25 with all-wheel drive). In the middle of the pack in the segment, our all-wheel-drive Enclave Avenir nailed a 25-mpg highway number on the nose in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, part of our extensive testing regimen. Unfortunately, Buick does not have a hybrid powertrain option for the Enclave. For more information on the Enclave’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Ace Enclave in the hole is a spacious, comfortable and functional interior. While it comes with plenty of comfort and convenience features and is beautifully crafted, the quality of materials and attention to detail keep the Enclave from fully competing with its luxury brand rivals. The wood trim looks and feels cool, the sun visor for the optional panoramic roof isn’t power-operated, and only the passenger-side second-row seats slide forward to let third-row passengers in and out—an obvious cost-saving move. affect the facility. However, if cargo space is a priority, the Enclave is one of the best options in this segment. In our tests, we installed a total of 38 carrycots with the third- and second-row seats folded down; we store an impressive five pieces of luggage behind the power-operated third-row seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Enclave comes with an 8.0-inch IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system as standard equipment. User friendly and presented in a beautiful layout with clear graphics and many features. Navigation is standard on Premium and Avenir and available on the base Essence trim. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard and users can connect their devices to the Internet via the available onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Each of the three rows comes with a pair of USB ports for a total of six wired charging connections.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Even the base Essence trim receives various standards driver assistance technology as part of Buick’s Driver Confidence Plus system. It includes automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, front pedestrian braking, front and rear parking assist, and more. Buyers who want to upgrade to features like adaptive cruise control will need to step up to a higher trim or purchase an option package. For more information on Enclave crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control is available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Buick offers the most powertrain-warranty coverage among its main competitors and also sweetens the deal with free maintenance visits within the first year of ownership. The XC90’s powertrain warranty isn’t as long as Buick’s, but Volvo offers longer free maintenance and more years of corrosion protection.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Free maintenance is covered for the first visit
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD
Vehicle Type: front engine, front/all wheel drive, 7 passenger, 4 door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,295/$60,450
Options: Avenir Technology Package (adjustable dampers, upgraded headlights), $1595; trailer package, $650;
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 223 in33649 cm3
Power: 310 hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque: 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: strut/multi-link
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX20
255/55R-20 107H M+S TPC
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.9 inches
Length: 204.8 in
Width: 78.8 inches
Height: 69.9 inches
Passenger Volume: 157 feet3
Cargo Volume: 24 feet3
Curb Weight: 4687 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 6.5 seconds
1/4-Mile: 15.0 seconds @ 94 mph
100 mph: 17.2 seconds
130 mph: 31.3 seconds
The above results leave a 1 foot launch for 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.6 seconds
Top speed (C/D estimate): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 feet
Road grip, 300-foot Skid Pad: 0.83 g
C/D OIL ECONOMY
Observed: 16 mpg
75-mph Highway Drive: 23 mpg
Freeway Range: 490 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 20/17/25 mpg
C/D TESTS EXPLAINED
More Features and Specifications