2019 Buick Enclave Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

No major changes for 2019New front-wheel-drive-only Preferred trim slots below EssencePart of the second Enclave generation introduced for 2018

　　The 2019 Buick Enclave carries over from the redesigned 2018 model with only minor trim and options updates, and that's a good thing. We like the Enclave's long list of standard features and its high level of in-car technology. You can choose from either front- or all-wheel-drive versions of all trims, except for the new front-wheel-drive-only Preferred.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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) - $48,100 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $50,400 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $53,500 MSRPAvenir 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 9A) - $55,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Whichever version you get, know that you'll have a quiet and comfortable cabin that can seat up to seven passengers. The Enclave is one of the biggest SUVs in its class, in fact, and seat comfort and roominess are two of its strong points. Folding down both the second- and third-row seats provides up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

　　Equally big is the Enclave's corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Traverse. Besides styling, the main reason to get the Enclave is its considerably higher number of standard features. Even the base Enclave comes with keyless entry and push-button start, a hands-free liftgate, and excellent standard infotainment technology that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

　　The Enclave doesn't have the road-hugging chops like some of its European rivals, and it's not the least expensive in the segment. But if a comfortable highway ride, a roomy interior and getting lots of features are priorities, take a look at the 2019 Buick Enclave.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The Buick Enclave offers copious passenger and cargo space along with a touch of luxury. It doesn't have the road-hugging chops like some of its European rivals. But if smartphone connectivity features, comfortable highway ride, and roomy interior are priorities, take a look at the Enclave.

　　

Trim tested

　　zzdcar has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have experience with the related Chevrolet Traverse. The following is our take on what's significant about the Enclave and what you can expect.

　　

Driving

　　The V6 provides a nice bit of thrust off the line when you put your foot down, but it tapers off at higher rpm. Expect a 0-60 mph sprint of about 7 seconds, which would be an average time for a three-row SUV. Handling capability should be similarly class-average.

　　

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 facilitated 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 huge load floor. Standard roof rails can handle optional crossbars to load bulky and large items on the roof. Maximum cargo space is a healthy 97.6 cubic feet.

　　

Technology

　　Smartphone integration is standard, but advanced driver assist functions are only available in higher trim vehicles. The Essence and the Premium can be optioned with a Bose speaker system, and the Avenir can be equipped with adaptive cruise control.

　　

Which Enclave does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Enclave with the most bang-for-your-buck is the midgrade Essence. This trim benefits from the Enclave's already excellent standard technology features and adds leather seating surfaces and driver assist functions to make both highway and city driving safer.

　　

2019 Buick Enclave models

　　The 2019 Buick Enclave is available in four trims. They all use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine (302 horsepower, 260 pound-feet) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Preferred 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 Preferred trim, 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 a 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 10-speaker premium Bose sound 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 the Premium), a larger driver information display, a rearview mirror with integrated camera display, a sunroof, a top-down parking camera system, premium leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, and a wireless device charging pad. Optionally, you can spec your Avenir with the Avenir Technology package that adds adaptive cruise control, upgraded automatic emergency braking and an adaptive suspension.

　　

2019 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	4 years / 50,000 miles