Photo: Buick Media
This luxury SUV is Buick’s top of the line, capable of seating up to 7 people and is available in All Wheel Drive (AWD). Based on the same chassis as the Chevrolet Traverse, the Enclave is the biggest vehicle in the Buick line-up, but not quite the size of a large SUV such a Tahoe. The 2018 model year Enclave has a 10% increase in interior space.
All new design
For 2018, the Enclave is completely redesigned. It’s a whole new vehicle, and this time, it looks really good. Buick calls it a more, “athletic” look- a synonym for sporty, I have to agree. Are those swooshing lines and a slight bulging rear wheel arch I see on a Buick!? Yup, sure is. A lower roofline, more aggressive windshield angle and longer wheelbase adds to that athletic look too.
Photo: Buick Media
All trim levels get Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto for easy smartphone integration. An all-new interior built-it ionizer is available on all trims except the Enclave 1SV base model.
Across all Enclave’s, the engine is still a 3.6 liter V-6 and as with almost every other manufacturer now, Start-Stop technology is included. Transmission is a 9-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings are at 25 mpg on the highway, 17 mpg in the city and combined 21 mpg (AWD) on regular gas.
Here’s the trim line-up with key features
A new addition to the trim line-up is the Avenir spec which is the top of the range, ultra luxurious model. (Fun fact, the word Avenir is French for future).
- Enclave 1SV
- Essence
- Premium
- Avenir
Enclave 1SV
This is the entry-level model that is FWD. Standard safety equipment includes a rear vision camera, park assist, and 7 airbags including a front center side airbag. Key features incorporate an 8″ color touchscreen infotainment system (Wifi hotspot available through OnStar subscription), Keyless entry and push start button. LED headlamps, 18″aluminum wheels and heated seats. Active noise cancellation and QuietTuning™ are also included, for a quieter for luxurious atmosphere while driving.
Essence
Available in AWD, the Essence has perforated leather upholstery, and some key safety features are standard such as; Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This is called the Driver Confidence Package. All new in-vehicle Ionizer is installed, to keep air quality good and reduce odors. The hands-free power liftgate that projects the Buick logo is also standard. Other highlights on the Essence include the options of Navigation, 20″ wheels, power folding 3rd row and 360° camera.
Premium
The Premium gets heated and ventilated front seats, 2nd-row heated seats, heated steering wheel and a Bose sound system. Also standard is a power folding 3rd-row and Driver Confidence Package II.
The Driver Confidence II Package is an enhanced safety package that has;
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Safety Alert Seat
- Front and Rear Park Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- Intellibeam Headlamps
Avenir
The Avenir is the top of the line trim, all features in lower trims are included or the feature is replaced. Unique to this trim is the premium suspension (continuously variable real-time dampening) with Sport mode. Concept inspired styling is unique to the Avenir such as the 3D mesh grille. 20″ wheel and navigation are standard. Wireless smartphone charging is also standard and supports iPhone 8. Enhanced safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop/go and Front Automatic Braking.
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- Photos: Buick Media
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