Updated February 23, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The Buick Enclave is a mid/full-size three-row crossover SUV launched in 2007 for 2008 model year. The Enclave, the Saturn Outlook, the GMC Acadia, and the Chevrolet Traverse all share the GM Lambda platform. The Enclave was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept car, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The Enclave is partially based on the Buick Centieme concept shown at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show. The Enclave is positioned somewhere between mainstream and entry-level luxury brands. That means it’s more expensive than models such as the Chevrolet Traverse (which it’s related to) and the Honda Pilot but not as expensive as an Acura MDX or Audi Q7.
The Enclave replaced both of Buick’s SUVs, the minivan-based Rendezvous and the truck-based Rainier, as well as the Terraza minivan. In 2014, the Enclave was the top-ranked “Affordable Midsize SUV” in U.S. News & World Report. The second-generation Enclave was officially revealed at the 2017 New York Auto Show.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Buick Enclave
- Price: Starts at $40,300 CAD
- Comparable to: Ford Expedition, Hyundai Palisade, GMC Yukon
- Reliability: JDPower gives this vehicle a rating of 78/100 which is considered AVERAGE.
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $8,600 over 10 years.
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE
You can view the overall Mid-Size SUV Rankings here and the Luxury Mid-Size SUV Rankings here.
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Our Score is determined by entering as many data points as we can find into our scoring algorithm to come up the most unbiased vehicle score on the planet.
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth the time.
- Autoblog: No Score
- Kelley Blue Book Review — 3.8 / 5
- Car and Driver Review — 5.5 / 10
- Edmunds Review — 7.7 / 10
- USNews Review — 8 / 10
- JD Power Review — 80/ 100
- Motortrend Review — 7.6 / 10
What the critics have to say…
The Enclave isn’t necessarily a bad SUV, but the Buick needs more standard tech and variation from the other General Motors vehicles to stand out. In Avenir trim, it offers high-quality materials and loads of feature content, but the rest of the lineup fails to impress.
Motortrend
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
The Enclave is one of the quicker-accelerating midsize SUVs around, needing only 7 seconds to scoot to 60 mph. The transmission is responsive yet operates smoothly and seamlessly, which makes for a very nice combination. The Enclave also handles quite well for a big three-row SUV, never feeling ponderous or unwieldy. Its steering provides easy maneuverability at parking lot speeds and good highway stability, while the brakes make it easy to come to a smooth stop.
Edmunds
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the Buick Enclave Reliable?
The 2021 Enclave has a predicted reliability score of 78 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Buick Enclave Warranty
Buick backs the Enclave with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
Most three-row SUVs offer good comfort in the first two rows, and the Enclave is no exception. There’s nice seat and armrest padding throughout the cabin, and although the third row isn’t quite as comfortable, it can accommodate adults, unlike the back rows of some competitors. Air vents for every row are a plus.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The Enclave’s cabin is as roomy inside as you’d expect from a vehicle this size, and Buick has integrated many comfort and convenience features. Altogether, the interior’s design is handsome and practical, but material quality and attention to detail are what hold the Enclave back from being competitive with its luxury-branded rivals. The wood trim looks and feels chintzy, the sunshades for the optional panoramic roof aren’t power operated, and only the passenger-side second-row seat slides forward to allow third-row passengers in and out—a clear cost-cutting move that compromises convenience.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become necessities for many shoppers nowadays, and the Enclave includes them as standard equipment, along with a total of six USBs strewn throughout the cabin. The optional Bose audio system delivers the quality sound you’d expect at this level. And although there’s less of a need for it, the onboard navigation is easy to use, if not a little dated-looking.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
With 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 58 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.6 behind the first, the Enclave has one of the largest cargo capacities in the midsize SUV class. Additionally, this Buick provides 3.1 cubic feet of underfloor storage.
USNews
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
Value is where the Enclave falls flat, pricing itself out of the hunt especially in our tester’s high-end Avenir trim. There are nice aspects to the cabin but too many other things — such as trim, switchgear and panels that squeak as they rub against each other — make it feel cheaper than others costing thousands less. The absence of adaptive cruise control at this price doesn’t help either.
Edmunds
IS THE Buick Enclave A GOOD SUV?
Yes, the Buick Enclave is a good midsize SUV. It has a lengthy list of standard infotainment features, a cushioned ride, and a powerful V6 engine. It also has some of the roomiest accommodations in the segment. However, this crossover comes with few standard active safety features (though many are available), and it has too many low-quality cabin materials for a vehicle with such a high base price.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE Buick Enclave?
Well-equipped and spacious, the Buick Enclave is a compelling vehicle. However, there are plenty of great SUVs in the class that are worth considering. The Chevrolet Traverse shares many components with the Buick, but it’s more affordable.The Mazda CX-9 has sharper handling than the Enclave, and the Acura MDX offers a bit more luxury than the Buick.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
Unless you are stuck on buying Buick there are better choices no matter what your priorities are.