If you’re shopping for a family SUV, you likely want to know: is Buick Enclave a good car? For many families, the answer leans yes, especially for those who prioritize space and comfort over sporty handling. Families considering the Buick Enclave often appreciate its spacious three-row interior and smooth ride quality on long trips.
This review will break down everything you need to know. We’ll look at its strengths, like passenger room, and its weaknesses, such as fuel economy. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture if the Enclave fits your lifestyle.
Is Buick Enclave A Good Car
Overall, the Buick Enclave is a good car for specific buyers. It excels as a comfortable, quiet, and spacious people-mover. It’s less ideal if you seek engaging driving dynamics or the latest high-tech features. Its value becomes clear when compared to rivals.
Think of it as a premium family shuttle. It focuses on isolating occupants from road imperfections. The cabin is a highlight, offering genuine room for seven or eight people. For road trips and daily carpools, it’s a strong contender.
Key Strengths Of The Buick Enclave
The Enclave’s best features are directly tied to family needs. They provide tangible benefits on a daily basis.
Spacious And Versatile Interior
The three-row cabin is arguably the Enclave’s biggest selling point. Both second and third rows offer more legroom than many competitors. Adults can sit in the back without feeling cramped.
- Ample cargo space behind the third row for grocery bags or luggage.
- Easy-to-use sliding second-row seats for third-row access.
- High-quality, quiet materials used throughout the cabin.
Exceptionally Smooth And Quiet Ride
Buick’s focus on comfort is evident. The suspension absorbs bumps effectively. Road and wind noise are minimal, creating a serene atmosphere for conversations.
Strong Standard V6 Engine
Every Enclave comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. It provides confident power for merging and passing. The engine is smooth and pairs well with the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Notable Weaknesses Of The Buick Enclave
No vehicle is perfect. The Enclave has some drawbacks you should consider before buying.
Below-Average Fuel Economy
This is a common trade-off for a large, powerful SUV. The Enclave’s EPA estimates are typically lower than some turbo-four or hybrid rivals. Expect frequent gas station visits on long journeys.
Outdated Infotainment System
While functional, the standard Buick Infotainment System feels older than those in competitors. The graphics and response time aren’t as sharp. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which helps.
Less Engaging Driving Experience
If you enjoy driving, the Enclave might feel too soft. Its handling is tuned for comfort, not agility. Body roll is noticeable in corners compared to sportier SUVs.
Buick Enclave Safety And Reliability
Safety and dependability are crucial for a family vehicle. The Enclave has a mixed record here.
Safety Ratings And Features
The Enclave generally earns good scores from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features are comprehensive, but some advanced driver aids are optional.
- Standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.
- Standard Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.
- Available features include Adaptive Cruise Control and a HD Surround Vision camera.
Predicted Reliability And Ownership Costs
Recent model years have shown average to above-average predicted reliability from major outlets. Buick as a brand often scores well. Maintenance costs are reasonable for the class, but repair costs can be higher than non-luxury brands.
Comparing The Enclave To Key Competitors
How does it stack up against other popular three-row SUVs? Here’s a quick comparison.
Buick Enclave Vs. Chevrolet Traverse
They share a platform and engine. The Traverse offers even more cargo space and a lower price. The Enclave provides a quieter, more refined cabin with better materials. It’s the more premium option of the two.
Buick Enclave Vs. Honda Pilot
The Pilot is known for its practicality and resale value. It often has more intuitive controls and slightly better fuel economy. The Enclave typically offers a smoother, quieter ride and more spacious third row.
Buick Enclave Vs. Kia Telluride / Hyundai Palisade
These twins are the current benchmarks. They offer more standard tech, bolder styling, and often a better value proposition. The Enclave fights back with a slightly plusher ride and a more traditional luxury feel.
Who Is The Buick Enclave Best Suited For?
The Enclave isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for a specific set of buyers.
You will likely appreciate the Buick Enclave if:
- Your top priority is passenger comfort and space for 7-8 people.
- You value a calm, quiet cabin on highways and rough roads.
- You prefer a comfortable ride over sporty handling.
- You want a premium feel without the luxury brand price tag.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- Fuel efficiency is a major concern for your budget.
- You desire the latest in-car technology and slick infotainment.
- You enjoy a connected, agile driving experience.
- You need maximum cargo space with all seats in use.
Model Year Changes And Buying Advice
The Enclave has seen subtle updates over recent years. Knowing these can help you choose between new and used.
Significant Updates In Recent Years
A major refresh occurred a few years ago, bringing updated styling and standard safety tech. Since then, changes have been minor, mostly involving feature availability and new paint colors. It’s wise to check the specific model year for its standard equipment list.
New Vs. Used: Evaluating Value
A new Enclave comes with the latest warranty and peace of mind. A certified pre-owned (CPO) model from the last few years can offer significant savings while still including a warranty. Due to its gentle depreciation, used Enclaves often retain value well.
Recommended Trim Levels
The mid-level Essence or Premium trims often offer the best value. They add desirable features like leather seating, a power-folding third row, and enhanced safety systems without the top-tier price of the Avenir trim. The base trim is well-equipped for many families.
Cost Of Ownership Breakdown
Beyond the sticker price, consider these long-term costs.
Fuel Costs And Efficiency
With an EPA rating around 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, fuel costs are a factor. In mixed driving, expect about 21 mpg. This is a point where rivals with turbo or hybrid options can save you money over time.
Insurance And Maintenance Estimates
Insurance costs are typical for a large SUV. Maintenance schedules are straightforward, with recommended service at regular intervals. Buick often includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first few years on new models, which is a nice perk.
Depreciation And Resale Value
Historically, the Enclave holds its value reasonably well, though not as strongly as brands like Honda or Toyota. The Avenir trim may depreciate slightly faster due to its higher initial cost. A CPO model can be a smart way to avoid the steepest first-year depreciation.
Common Owner Complaints And Praise
Real-world feedback highlights consistent themes.
Owners frequently praise:
- The exceptionally comfortable seats and ride quality.
- The true usability of the third-row seating for adults.
- The quiet interior at highway speeds.
- The ample power from the V6 engine.
Common complaints include:
- The infotainment system being slow or outdated.
- Fuel economy falling short of estimates in real-world use.
- Some cheap interior plastics in lower trim levels.
- Blind spots can be sizable, requiring careful adjustment.
Final Verdict: Is The Buick Enclave Worth It?
So, is the Buick Enclave a good car? For the right buyer, absolutely. It delivers on its core promise of comfortable, quiet, spacious transportation. It’s a vehicle designed around passenger well-being.
If your family’s needs center on moving people in supreme comfort, the Enclave is a top choice. However, if technology, fuel economy, or driving engagement rank higher on your list, you should test drive its competitors. Always take your family and typical cargo on a thorough test drive to see if it truly fits your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Buick Enclave A Reliable Vehicle?
Recent model years of the Buick Enclave have shown average to good predicted reliability. It often scores better than many domestic SUVs. Checking specific model year ratings from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports is recommended.
How Does The Buick Enclave Perform In Safety Tests?
The Buick Enclave generally receives high marks in safety testing. It has earned top ratings from the IIHS in many crash categories and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA in recent years, making it a safe choice for families.
What Are The Main Problems With Buick Enclave?
Some reported issues over various model years include problems with the power liftgate, infotainment system glitches, and occasional transmission hesitations. It’s important to research the specific model year you’re considering for recurring problems.
Is The Buick Enclave Good For Long Road Trips?
Yes, the Buick Enclave is excellent for long trips. Its comfortable seats, quiet cabin, smooth ride, and confident V6 power make it a relaxing companion for highway travel. The spacious interior prevents passengers from feeling cramped over many miles.
Does The Buick Enclave Have Good Gas Mileage?
For its size, the Buick Enclave’s fuel economy is acceptable but not class-leading. With front-wheel drive, expect about 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive models see a slight decrease. Hybrid competitors offer better efficiency.