Overview Buick’s largest SUV offering is the three-row Enclave, and its large footprint contains a cabin built for maximizing passenger space. It shares its mechanicals with the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia but wears a design that looks like a scaled-up Buick Envision. All models get the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 328 horsepower, but you can choose from front- or all-wheel drive setups. Performance is mild but on par with rivals such as the Acura MDX and the Lexus TX. What those SUVs have that the Buick doesn’t is prestige, and only its top-spec Avenir trim truly competes in the luxury game. However, if sheer space is your priority, you’ll find the Enclave has one of the roomiest interiors in the class. What’s New for 2026?The Enclave was entirely redesigned just last year. We expect to see no significant changes to the Buick’s three-row SUV for 2026.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Buick Enclave is expected to start around $47,000 and go up to $60,000 depending on the trim and options.Preferred$47,000 (est)Sport Touring$50,000 (est)Avenir$60,000 (est)We’d stick with the entry-level Preferred trim, as it comes standard with most every feature buyers in the family-hauler segment are looking for and keeps costs low. The Preferred trim comes standard with 20-inch wheels, a host of driver-assistance features, a large digital dashboard display, a 12-speaker Bose stereo system, heated front seats with power adjustments, and adaptive cruise control.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceAll Enclave models are powered by the same 328-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia, and like those models, the Enclave comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel drive. Unlike its stablemates, the Buick isn’t offered with additional off-road goodies. Buicks are made for the boulevard. The top-spec Avenir model comes with adaptive dampers and 22-inch wheels; the Preferred and Sport Touring models have a more traditional passive-damper setup for their suspension systems and ride on standard 20s or optional 22s. The Enclave can tow up to 5000 pounds, but unlocking that number requires springing for the optional Trailering package. During our test drive of the Enclave, we found it to have a soft, compliant ride and little driving verve. The turbo-four provides adequate power, and the Buick differentiates itself from its siblings with extra sound deadening that makes for a quiet cabin.0–60-MPH TimesThe front-wheel-drive Enclave Avenir we tested got to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. That’s a few ticks slower than the old V-6 model.More on the Enclave SUVTowing and Payload Capacity The Enclave is rated to tow up to 5000 pounds and a factory-installed trailer hitch is available on all trims as an optional feature.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Enclave yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. On our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the front-wheel-drive Enclave achieved 23 mpg. For more information about the Enclave’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s websiteInterior, Comfort, and CargoThree spacious rows of seating are standard across the board in the Enclave. While the Preferred and Sport Touring models come nicely equipped, buyers looking to maximize luxury will want to spring for the Avenir. Only the top model can be had with one of two two-tone interior schemes: cream and blue or cream and brown. The Avenir also offers niceties such as ambient interior lighting, automatic windshield wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats—all standard. The Sport Touring model features some modestly sporty touches, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and ST branding.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA large, 30.0-inch curved display wraps in a subtle crescent shape from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard. A digital gauge display and a touchscreen infotainment system are presented with crisp graphics, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for smartphone mirroring. The software interface is General Motors’s latest Google-based system, and a host of apps are available for download to help customize the infotainment functions. A 12-speaker Bose stereo system is standard, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and plenty of USB ports. The Avenir trim comes with a 16-speaker stereo also tuned by Bose.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe Enclave offers several standard driver-assistance technologies such as automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. GM’s Super Cruise adaptive cruise control system with a hands-free driving mode is optional on all Enclave trims. For more information about the Enclave’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageBuick offers a similar warranty as most rivals but sweetens the deal with a free maintenance visit within the first year of ownership. The Volvo XC90 offers longer complimentary maintenance and more years of corrosion protection.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit
SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Buick Enclave Avenir FWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 7-psassenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $59,395/$64,375
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in3, 2494 cm3
Power: 328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.6-in vented disc/12.4-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX-20
275/45R-22 108V M+S TPC Spec 3190 MS
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 120.9 in
Length: 207.6 in
Width: 79.6 in
Height: 71.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 66/57/40 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 98/57/23 ft3
Curb Weight: 4734 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.1 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 16.9 sec
120 mph: 30.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 100–0 mph: 164 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.83 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 20 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 23 mpg
Highway Range: 440 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/20/27 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
