Used 2019 Buick Enclave

The 2019 Buick Enclave holds a unique position among 3-row SUVs. It’s more luxurious than similarly sized competitors like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, yet neither its price nor status approaches that of high-end luxury models like the Audi Q7 or Infiniti QX60. In the Enclave, buyers will find a roomy cabin, smooth ride and powerful engine combined with good handling, a feature-rich interior and the latest in high-tech and driver-assist systems. Base models start around $40,000 nicely equipped, and for about $13K more, the Avenir trim easily rivals a well-equipped Acura MDX or Volvo XC90. Still, the Enclave doesn’t quite meet the luxury standards of the new Lincoln Aviator, nor is it as fun to drive as a Mazda CX-9.

If you’re thinking Buick has followed Cadillac in radically changing the way its cars ride and handle, you’ll be pleased to know no such transformation has occurred. The Enclave’s ride remains smooth, soft and quiet, yet improvements have been made to its steering, suspension, brakes and turning radius. With 310 horsepower emanating from the 3.6-liter V6, the Enclave never lacks muscle for passing or merging, and thanks to large side glass and minimal pillar width, there’s good visibility all around. The Enclave’s sophisticated 5-link independent rear suspension helps it round corners like a much smaller SUV, and its two available all-wheel-drive systems improve both traction and power distribution. GM’s Active Return Assist electric power steering delivers good feedback and requires less effort when unwinding the wheel. Front-drive (FWD) models feel a bit quicker off the line (less weight), so unless you live someplace that regularly sees snow, you’ll save both money and gas going with just a 2-wheel-drive model.

The Enclave’s interior features a clean, flowing design with a layered dashboard that incorporates a padded surface set off by chrome and wood accents. The large 8-inch screen dominates the center of the dash, and electronic analog gauges are positioned in front of the driver. The comfortable front buckets are divided by a huge center console that has plenty of storage space. Controls are logically arrayed and easy to use in concert with the touch screen. The Enclave doesn’t offer a 2nd-row bench, but there are two comfortable 2nd-row captain’s chairs and the third row has comfortable seating for two, and three in a pinch.

Riding on a 120.9-inch wheelbase and measuring 204.3 inches in overall length, the 2019 Buick Enclave is big, and yet the svelte exterior styling takes a bit off that bulk. Gone is the traditional Buick waterfall grille design, a styling cue that had not aged well. In its place is a more contemporary opening with wings extending from either side of the rather largish Buick tri-shield logo. Step up to the range-topping Avenir and you’ll get a really slick-looking 3D mesh grille. The roofline is sleeker, and the overall look is more like a really tall sports wagon than a boxy SUV. Think Mazda CX-9 on a grand scale.

INTERIOR SPACE
Compared to the previous-generation Enclave, the 2019 version has about 10 cubic feet more interior room. With 23.6 cubic feet of storage space behind the 3rd-row seat, the Enclave provides significantly more cargo space than the Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

QUIET TUNING
Buick’s Quiet Tuning is a painstaking process by which noise is removed from the cabin. A combination of chassis tuning, a more rigid body, laminated glass and extensive sound-deadening material all work in harmony to silence the outside world with impressive results.

Buick’s Enclave for 2019 has four trim levels: Preferred, Essence, Premium and Avenir. All models feature keyless entry and push-button start, hands-free power-programmable rear liftgate, tri-zone automatic climate control, universal home remote, six USB ports, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, rear-park assist, seven airbags, Teen Driver tracking and rear-seat reminder. Step up to an Avenir and you get 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, heated 2nd-row seats, 360-surround-view camera, a rearview mirror used as a conventional unit or a camera, and a dual moonroof.

All-wheel drive is offered as an option on all trim levels except the base model. A single-clutch setup is offered on the Essence, while the Premium and Avenir offer GM’s active twin-clutch Intelligent AWD. Options include navigation, upgraded Bose sound system, adaptive cruise control on higher-trim models with full-speed stop-and-go, forward automatic braking, a premium adaptive suspension, heavy-duty cooling, and a sport model.

The 2019 Buick Enclave has a direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Buick estimates EPA fuel economy at 18-mpg city, 26-mpg highway and 21 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive (FWD) models, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions come in at an estimated 17-mpg city, 25-mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. For comparison, the Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60 are rated up to 27 mpg for FWD and 26 mpg for AWD. To help bolster fuel economy, the Enclave is equipped with seamless stop/start technology. The powertrain has a base towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, but add the optional trailer-towing package that includes additional cooling and other tweaks, and the Enclave’s tow rating jumps to 5,000 pounds.

3.6-liter V6
310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm
266 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (FWD), 17/25 mpg (AWD)