The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Enclave gains: Design, fuel efficiency
Seat 7 comfortably in SUV that comes loaded with technology perks.
Buick’s large three-row crossover, the Enclave, got a complete makeover for 2018, bringing it into its second generation.
It’s actually about 10 percent roomier inside than before, and still offers comfortable seating for up to seven passengers — even adults.
Prices for 2018 begin at $39,995 (plus $995 freight) for the base front-wheel-drive Enclave 1SV model, and top out at $55,800 for the all-wheel-drive Avenir model, which is a new, premium subbrand for Buick.
Other trim levels and their prices are the Essence frontdrive ($44,300); Essence AWD ($46,300); Premium frontdrive ($48,100); Premium AWD ($50,400); and Avenir front-drive ($53,500). All-wheel drive is available on all except the Enclave 1SV.
The Avenir sub-brand, which is offered in other Buick vehicles for 2018 as well, is meant to represent “the highest expression of Buick luxury,” the automaker says. It includes unique styling cues — such as the Enclave Avenir’s special three-dimensional mesh grille — along with more standard amenities, premium materials and an uplevel suspension with continuously variable real-time automatic damping.
Overall, the new Enclave has a more muscular appearance, less rounded than the previous model. It’s also a sleeker design
that is more aerodynamic, for improved fuel economy and aesthetics.
There is a lower roofline, sharper windshield angle and longer wheelbase. That extended wheelbase allows for the increased interior space. LED lighting is introduced on the 2018 model, including bi-functional LED projector headlamps and LED taillights
Under the hood is a normally aspirated 3.6-liter V-6 engine, cranking out 310 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With this drivetrain, we had plenty of power for routine interstate highway driving and some country roads.
EPA ratings are 18 mpg city/27 highway with front drive, and 17 city/25 highway with all-wheel drive.
New standard safety features on all trim levels include a rearview camera (showing in the dash audio/nav screen), rear park assist and seven air bags, including a
front center side air bag.
A new rearview camera mirror ($825) is available and was included on our test vehicle. It allows the rearview mirror to work as a regular mirror or as a display for a rearview camera (separate from the standard rear camera). In the camera mode, there are no obstructions for the rear view, such as rear headrests, body panels and passengers’ heads.
Buick’s QuietTuning cabin noisereduction system comes with active noise cancellation, designed to block and absorb noise. In our Premium AWD tester, the cabin was very quiet at highway speeds, even on some bumpy roads.
Also included at no extra charge on our tester was a new air ionizer system, designed to eliminate cabin odors and boost interior air quality.
Our tester came with seating for seven, with two bucket seats up front, two captain’s chairs with a center aisle in the middle row, and a three-person 60/40
split/power folding bench seat in the rear.
The included second-row SmartSlide seat provides easy access to the third row. Located on the passenger side, the SmartSlide seat allows access to the third row even with an empty child seat installed using the LATCH system.
General Motors’ new Rear Seat Reminder system alerts the driver to check the rear before departing the vehicle, if the second-row doors had been opened before the vehicle was started.
The eight-inch-diagonal Buick infotainment system is standard on all models, and includes six USB ports (two for infotainment, four for charging). It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also included is OnStar 4G with LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan required after data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost. Wireless phone charging is standard on the Avenir, and it supports the iPhone 8.
Along with the redesign, the Enclave retained its generous third-row space, particularly the legroom, which makes that seat nearly as comfortable for adults as for children. This is one of the few big crossovers that can achieve that. There is also ample cargo room and overall interior space.
With the captain’s chairs in the middle row, included on our test vehicle, access to the third row is easier because of the gap between the two middle-row seats.
The all-wheel drive gives the Enclave all-weather driving capability, along with limited off-road ability, allowing it to handle many gravel and dirt roads in national and state parks. But it has lower ground clearance than most traditional SUVs, and the all-wheel drive doesn’t include low-range gearing for serious trail driving.