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2018 Buick Enclave: Features, Specs & First Look

2024 Buick Enclave Review | Premium Three-Row SUV Features & Specs | MotorVero

2024 Buick Enclave: Premium Three-Row SUV Redefined

Buick Enclave

Discover Buick's flagship SUV with sophisticated styling, advanced technology, and versatile seating

Introduction to the Buick Enclave

The Buick Enclave stands as the brand's premium three-row SUV, offering families and luxury seekers an exceptional blend of comfort, technology, and performance. Positioned against competitors like the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, and Volkswagen Atlas, the Enclave distinguishes itself with Buick's signature quiet tuning, upscale appointments, and thoughtful family-friendly features.

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Key Highlights:

  • 302-horsepower 3.6L V6 engine with 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Available front-wheel or intelligent all-wheel drive
  • Seating for up to seven passengers with premium comfort
  • Sleek, modern exterior design with premium Avenir trim option
  • Advanced safety technologies and driver assistance features
  • Innovative cabin technology including 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration

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Exterior Design & Dimensions

The current-generation Buick Enclave presents a significant evolution in design language from previous models. The SUV maintains its commanding presence while adopting more sophisticated styling cues that align with Buick's contemporary design philosophy.

Design Evolution

Gone are the traditional portholes that once defined Buick's hood design. Instead, the Enclave features elegant chrome accents on the front fenders that provide a more modern interpretation of the brand's heritage. The signature wing-shaped LED daytime running lights and waterfall grille create a cohesive face that's immediately recognizable as a Buick.

Dimensional Advantages

While slightly longer than its predecessor (about two inches in overall length), the Enclave manages to appear more athletic thanks to:

  • A slightly lowered roofline that improves aerodynamics
  • Precisely sculpted body lines that reduce visual bulk
  • Standard 18-inch wheels with available 20-inch polished aluminum options
  • LED lighting elements front and rear for premium illumination

The intelligent packaging results in a vehicle that's nearly 400 pounds lighter than the previous generation while offering more interior space and improved structural rigidity.

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Interior Comfort & Technology

 three-row SUV

Step inside the Buick Enclave and you're greeted by a cabin that prioritizes both luxury and functionality. The horizontal dashboard design creates an immediate sense of spaciousness, while the meticulous attention to material quality elevates the overall experience.

Seating & Flexibility

The three-row configuration offers versatile accommodations for up to seven passengers:

  • Premium perforated leather seating surfaces in higher trims
  • 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function
  • Second-row captain's chairs (available) for enhanced comfort
  • Power-folding third row with easy-entry second-row slide function
  • Ample legroom even for adults in the second and third rows
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Technology Integration

Buick's IntelliLink infotainment system centers around an 8-inch color touchscreen with:

  • Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • Available built-in navigation with real-time traffic updates
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability (subscription required)
  • Wireless phone charging pad in the center console
  • Six strategically placed USB ports throughout the cabin

Premium Amenities

The Enclave offers numerous upscale features that enhance every drive:

  • Tri-zone automatic climate control with air ionization
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated second-row outboard seats
  • Power-adjustable steering column
  • Hands-free power liftgate with programmable height adjustment
  • Available Bose premium audio system with 10 speakers
  • --THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

Performance & Capability

The Buick Enclave delivers confident performance thanks to its refined powertrain and well-engineered chassis. While not positioned as a performance SUV, it provides more than adequate power for daily driving and family adventures.

Powertrain Specifications

Engine Type 3.6L V6 Direct Injection
Horsepower 302 hp @ 6,700 rpm
Torque 260 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Transmission 9-speed automatic
Drive Systems Front-wheel drive (standard), Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (available)

Fuel Efficiency & Towing

The Enclave balances performance with reasonable fuel economy for its class:

  • Front-wheel drive models: 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 20 mpg combined
  • All-wheel drive models: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 19 mpg combined
  • Standard towing capacity of 1,500 pounds
  • Available trailering package increases capacity to 5,000 pounds
  • Engine stop-start technology helps conserve fuel in city driving
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Driving Dynamics

Buick's QuietTuning technology ensures a serene cabin environment, while the chassis delivers:

  • Compliant ride quality that absorbs road imperfections
  • Precise steering with good on-center feel
  • Available adaptive suspension (Avenir trim) for enhanced comfort
  • Confident braking performance with available Brembo front brakes


Trim Levels & Pricing

The Buick Enclave is available in four distinct trim levels, each offering progressively more luxury and technology features. Understanding these options helps buyers select the perfect combination of value and amenities.

Enclave (Base)

The entry point to the Enclave lineup includes:

  • 18-inch aluminum wheels
  • LED daytime running lights
  • 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • --FORTH CAR LIST HERE--

Essence

Adds premium touches to the base model:

  • Leather-appointed seating
  • Heated front seats
  • Power liftgate
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Additional sound insulation

Premium

Elevates the luxury experience further:

  • Perforated leather seating
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Bose premium audio
  • Heated second-row seats
  • HD surround vision camera

Avenir

Buick's ultimate luxury expression:

  • Exclusive Avenir grille and badging
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Adaptive suspension
  • Premium leather with quilted stitching
  • Head-up display

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Safety & Driver Assistance

The Buick Enclave comes equipped with an impressive array of standard and available safety technologies designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents before they occur.

Standard Safety Features

  • High-strength steel safety cage
  • Six airbags including front center side airbag
  • Rear vision camera
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Teen Driver system (monitors and reports driving behavior)
  • Rear Seat Reminder (alerts driver to check back seats)

Available Advanced Safety Systems

Buick offers several cutting-edge driver assistance technologies:

  • Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Automatic Parking Assist
  • HD Surround Vision Camera System
  • Safety Alert Seat (vibrates to warn of potential hazards)
  • --FIFTH CAR LIST HERE--

Crash Test Ratings

The Enclave has earned top safety marks from leading organizations:

  • NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick (when equipped with specific headlights)
  • Excellent scores in moderate overlap front and side crash tests


Competitive Comparison

When cross-shopping three-row luxury SUVs, the Buick Enclave holds its own against established competitors. Here's how it compares in key areas:

Versus Acura MDX

  • Enclave offers more standard horsepower (302 vs 290)
  • MDX has available hybrid powertrain (Enclave does not)
  • Enclave provides more cargo space behind third row
  • MDX features more aggressive sport-tuned handling

Versus Infiniti QX60

  • Enclave has more distinctive exterior styling
  • QX60 offers standard all-wheel drive (optional on Enclave)
  • Enclave provides quieter cabin with better sound insulation
  • QX60 has slightly better fuel economy ratings
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Versus Volkswagen Atlas

  • Enclave offers more premium interior materials
  • Atlas has available V6 or turbocharged 4-cylinder options
  • Enclave provides more sophisticated ride quality
  • Atlas offers slightly more third-row headroom

Ownership Experience

Buick backs the Enclave with competitive warranty coverage and maintenance programs designed to provide peace of mind:

Warranty Coverage

  • 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
  • 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
  • 6-year/70,000-mile corrosion protection
  • 1-year/2,000-mile scheduled maintenance included
  • 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance

Maintenance Considerations

The Enclave is designed for relatively straightforward maintenance:

  • Oil changes recommended every 7,500 miles
  • Transmission fluid changes at 45,000 miles
  • Spark plug replacement at 97,500 miles
  • Timing chain (no scheduled replacement needed)

Resale Value

Buick vehicles traditionally maintain strong resale value due to:

  • Reputation for reliability
  • Premium brand positioning
  • Strong demand in the pre-owned market
  • Consistent styling that ages well

Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Buick Enclave?

The Buick Enclave represents an excellent choice for buyers seeking:

  • A premium three-row SUV with understated elegance
  • Spacious, comfortable seating for up to seven
  • Smooth, quiet ride quality for daily commuting
  • Strong value proposition compared to luxury-brand competitors
  • Advanced safety and technology features
  • --SIXTH CAR LIST HERE--

While enthusiasts might prefer sportier alternatives, and efficiency-focused buyers might want hybrid options, the Enclave delivers exactly what most luxury SUV shoppers prioritize: comfort, space, refinement, and peace of mind. With its available Avenir trim level, Buick proves it can compete with luxury brands while maintaining its value-oriented positioning.

For families and empty-nesters alike who appreciate premium appointments without ostentation, the Buick Enclave deserves serious consideration in the competitive three-row luxury SUV segment.

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motorverorachael

Last Updated On Sep, 02-2025

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