2018 Buick Enclave Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
byCalvin KimVehicle Test EngineerCalvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.
What's new
The Enclave is fully redesigned this yearPart of the second Enclave generation introduced for 2018Originally debuting for the 2008 model year, the first-generation Buick Enclave stood out in the three-row crossover SUV segment for its roomy interior and smooth and quiet ride. The redesigned 2018 Buick Enclave aims to continue in that tradition while raising the bar in the style and technology departments.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Enclave 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 Base
Enclave Base
4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $39,995 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $44,215 MSRPEssence 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $46,215 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $48,015 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,315 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $53,415 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $55,715 MSRP
vs
$229/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Equipped with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine this year (302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet), the Enclave should be notably quicker, especially since this year's model weighs hundreds of pounds less. The 2018 Enclave is slightly longer than last year and offers additional legroom for the second-row and third-row passengers. Maximum cargo space is less than before, but there's still a generous 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
We expect the 2018 Enclave will be an appealing choice for a premium three-row crossover SUV, but we won't know for sure until we get a chance to test one ourselves.
zzdcar' Expert Rating
Buick has fully reesigned its 2018 Enclave. With a powerful V6 engine, more rear passenger space and new technology features, the Enclave should be an appealing choice for a three-row crossover SUV, but we won't know for sure until we get a chance to test one ourselves.
Trim tested
zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
The extra horsepower and reduced weight, along with new transmission, should improve upon the previous generation's somewhat ponderous performance.
Comfort
Active noise canceling reduces extraneous wind, road and powertrain noise. Automatic three-zone climate control is standard, and all trims, aside from the base, benefit from an air ionizer. The available adaptive suspension should further help smooth out the ride.
Interior
Buick's seven-seat configuration should provide ample room for second-row and third-row passengers. Getting in and out is further helped this year by a tilt-up second-row seat that can provide quick access to the third row, even with a child safety seat installed.
Utility
With all rear seats folded down, you have a very large load floor. Standard roof rails can handle optional crossbars to load bulky and large items on the roof. Maximum cargo space is less than last year, but it's still healthy at 97.6 cubic feet.
Technology
Smartphone integration is standard, and advanced driver assist functions are only available in higher trim vehicles. The Essence and Premium can be optioned with a Bose speaker system, and the Avenir can be equipped with stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.
Which Enclave does zzdcar recommend?
To take advantage of the luxury positioning of this new Enclave, we recommend the Enclave Premium . It includes low-speed forward collision mitigation, driver seat and mirror position memory, and an upgraded Bose audio system. Front-wheel drive is standard, but get the optional all-wheel drive if you live in snow country.
2018 Buick Enclave models
The 2018 Buick Enclave is available in four trims. They all use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine (302 hp, 260 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard Enclave is available only in front-wheel drive; the remaining trims are available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Essence features additional safety and comfort tech, while the Premium trim adds more luxury and safety amenities. At the top, the Avenir promises tech, safety and comfort features on par with what's offered in the best luxury crossovers. All Enclaves have seating for seven.
Even in base form, the Enclave comes with features that make it competitive in the three-row SUV segment. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, remote engine start, three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, adjustable second-row captain's chairs and 60/40-split folding third-row seats. Standard in-car technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hotspot), USB ports (two in front and four for rear passengers), and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.
The Essence includes a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a cabin air ionization system and leather seating surfaces. Optionally, you can add all-wheel drive, a heavy-duty tow package that allows you to pull up to 5,000 pounds, a top-down parking camera system and a sunroof.
Premium models add low-speed forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, front parking sensors, driver-seat memory settings, a Bose 10-speaker premium speaker system, lane departure warning and intervention, a heated steering wheel, heated seats for outboard second-row passengers, ventilated seats for the front row, and power-folding third-row seats.
Top-trim Avenir models roll on 20-inch wheels and receive a navigation system (optional on the Essence and Premium), a larger driver information display, a rearview mirror with integrated camera display, the sunroof and top-down parking camera system, premium leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, and a wireless device charging pad. Optionally, you can spec your Avenir with an adaptive suspension and an Avenir Technology package that allows for stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, grille shutters to increase aerodynamic efficiency, and the aforementioned adaptive suspension package.
2018 Enclave Highlights
Trim: BaseEssencePremiumAvenirBase
Base MSRP | $39,995 |
---|---|
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 | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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