2020 Buick Enclave Review

　　

2020 Buick Enclave Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Staking out the middle ground between mainstream and luxury three-row SUVs, the 2020 Buick Enclave comes with a long list of standard features, sophisticated in-car technology, and a quiet, comfortable cabin that can seat up to seven passengers. It's not quite as high-brow as its European luxury counterparts, but it offers a more upscale feel than most family SUVs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Buick Enclave Preferred 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$176/mo  for Enclave Preferred

　　Enclave Preferred

　　Preferred 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $40,000 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $42,000 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $44,000 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,400 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,700 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $53,800 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $56,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The Enclave is also one of the roomiest SUVs in its class. Fold down the second- and third-row seats, and it yields nearly 98 cubic feet of cargo space. That's a properly large space, and even with the seats up, passengers enjoy exceptional room to spread out and get comfortable.

　　If this big Buick is on your list, it's also worth considering its GM corporate cousin, the Chevrolet Traverse. The Traverse is equally large, so they're a match when it comes to utility. But besides the styling, the main reason to opt for the Tri-Shield crossover is for its wealth of standard features. Even the base model comes with conveniences such as a push-button start, a hands-free liftgate, and excellent infotainment technology that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

　　This three-row full-sizer doesn't have the road-hugging chops of its European rivals. Nor is it the least expensive in the segment. But if you value a comfortable highway ride, a roomy and Buick signature quiet interior, and a robust list of features, it's worth exploring the Enclave's middle ground.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Enclave drive? The Enclave is powered by GM's versatile 3.6-liter V6 engine, which generates a class-leading 310 horsepower and comes paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This potency makes it one of the quicker-accelerating vehicles in the segment, needing only 7 seconds to scoot to 60 mph. The transmission is responsive yet operates smoothly and seamlessly, which makes for a very nice combination.

　　But that's not all. The Enclave also handles quite well for a big three-row SUV, never feeling ponderous or unwieldy. Its steering provides easy maneuverability at parking lot speeds and good highway stability, while the brakes make it easy to come to a smooth stop. We recorded a braking distance of 122 feet from 60 mph, which is about average performance for the segment.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Enclave? Most three-row SUVs offer good comfort in the first two rows, and the Enclave is no exception. There's nice seat and armrest padding throughout the cabin, and although the third row isn't quite as comfortable, it can accommodate adults, unlike some competitors. Air vents for every row is a plus.

　　The Enclave offers stellar ride quality, even without the optional fancy suspension, and the cabin is very well-insulated from outside cabin noise. Our only complaint stems from some interior squeaks as materials rub against each other when the body flexes over low-speed bumps.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Enclave's simple cabin layout may be a bit boring, but it also makes it easy to use. Its abundance of room and ability to slide the second-row captain's chairs make for a very comfortable cabin when you're not carrying a full load. Getting in and out is a cinch with the Enclave's lower ride height. Another benefit of the standard captain's chairs is an easy path to the third row.

　　Visibility is naturally good, though we might appreciate sideview mirrors that are slightly larger. Otherwise, the square windows leave little hidden, and the optional comprehensive camera system makes it extra difficult to run into fixed objects in any direction.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become necessities for many shoppers nowadays, and the Enclave includes them as standard equipment, along with a total of six USBs strewn throughout the cabin. The optional Bose audio system delivers the quality sound you'd expect at this level. And although there's less of a need for it, the onboard navigation is also easy to use, if not a little dated-looking.

　　For those who need to be connected beyond their smartphones, a 4G LTE hotspot is still available if you sign up for a data plan, as are the app-controlled telematic functions (e.g., remote locking/unlocking, engine start). There are some advanced driver aids included such as forward collision and blind-spot monitoring. But adaptive cruise costs extra, which is a bit of a letdown.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? If cargo space is what you need, then the Enclave is your class champion. By the numbers, it has the largest cargo area (23.6 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and a whopping 98 cubic feet with all the rows folded. Our tester featured electronically folding third-row seats, a really nice convenience.

　　The cabin features a decent amount of small-item storage throughout, with the most usable space probably the two-tier center armrest bin. The bonus storage compartment underneath the shifter is made possible by Buick's fully electronic shifter. There's plenty of room for car seats. And the car seat anchors on either of the captain's chairs are fairly accessible but not as easy to find as they are on some other Buick vehicles.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? At 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway) the Enclave is less efficient than its competitors, with the Volkswagen Atlas the only exception. SUVs such as the Telluride and the Highlander return 23 mpg. Even the all-wheel-drive-only Subaru Ascent is rated at 22 mpg combined.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Enclave a good value? Value is where the Enclave falls flat, pricing itself out of the hunt especially in our tester's high-end Avenir trim. There are nice aspects to the cabin but too many other things — such as trim, switchgear and panels that squeak as they rub against each other — make it feel cheaper than others costing thousands less. The absence of adaptive cruise control at this price doesn't help either.

　　The Enclave is also one of the least efficient vehicles in this segment, which is a trade-off for being the most powerful. As far as warranty and ownership, Buick is better than average, though not as strong as Kia or Volkswagen.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　The Enclave is a bit of a dark horse. It's surprisingly well-rounded. But it doesn't strike us as a vehicle people are aspiring to own, especially not at the price it commands. It's not a fun vehicle, but it is a pleasant one.

　　If Buick could spruce up the interior, spice up the exterior, and bring the price down to a more competitive figure, it would definitely catch the attention of more shoppers.

　　

Which Enclave does zzdcar recommend?

Among the four trim levels, the midgrade Essence delivers the most bang for the buck. It comes with excellent standard in-car technology and adds leather seating and driver assist functions to make for safer driving on the highway and in the city.

　　

2020 Buick Enclave models

The 2020 Buick Enclave is available in four trims: Preferred, Essence, Premium and Avenir. All use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine (310 horsepower, 266 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Preferred is only available with front-wheel drive. The remaining trims are available in front- or all-wheel drive.

　　Even the base Preferred trim comes with luxury-like touches, including LED headlights, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, and 60/40-split folding third-row seats. In-car tech includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connections, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　Moving up to the Essence adds basic safety features, an enhanced cabin air filter and leather upholstery. Several options are also available, including all-wheel drive, a towing package rated for up to 5,000 pounds, a sunroof, and a bird's-eye camera parking system.

　　Premium models add more safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and the innovative GM Safety Alert Seat, as well as front parking sensors, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

　　Avenir models take the Enclave to its threshold of luxury with 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, premium leather upholstery, and a navigation system among several other items. Options include an adjustable suspension and adaptive cruise control.

　　

2020 Enclave Highlights

Trim: PreferredEssencePremiumAvenirPreferred

　　

Base MSRP	$40,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$176/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	23.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles