2018 Buick Enclave Review
Used Enclave for sale
Get More For Your Trade-In
2018 Buick Enclave appraisal values can range from $18,857 - $24,502.
Find out what your car is really worth in minutes.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Generous room for passengers in all three rows
- Quiet and smooth ride quality
- Plenty of standard features
Cons
- Some advanced safety features only available on the top trim level
What's new
- The Enclave is fully redesigned this year
- Part of the second Enclave generation introduced for 2018
Originally debuting for the 2008 model year, the first-generation Buick Enclave stood out in the three-row crossover SUV segment for its roomy interior and smooth and quiet ride. The redesigned 2018 Buick Enclave aims to continue in that tradition while raising the bar in the style and technology departments.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Buick Enclave Essence 4dr SUV (3.6L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$194/mo
Enclave Essence
vs
$273/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Equipped with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine this year (302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet), the Enclave should be notably quicker, especially since this year's model weighs hundreds of pounds less. The 2018 Enclave is slightly longer than last year and offers additional legroom for the second-row and third-row passengers. Maximum cargo space is less than before, but there's still a generous 97.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.
We expect the 2018 Enclave will be an appealing choice for a premium three-row crossover SUV, but we won't know for sure until we get a chance to test one ourselves.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Buick has fully reesigned its 2018 Enclave. With a powerful V6 engine, more rear passenger space and new technology features, the Enclave should be an appealing choice for a three-row crossover SUV, but we won't know for sure until we get a chance to test one ourselves.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
The extra horsepower and reduced weight, along with new transmission, should improve upon the previous generation's somewhat ponderous performance.
Comfort
Active noise canceling reduces extraneous wind, road and powertrain noise. Automatic three-zone climate control is standard, and all trims, aside from the base, benefit from an air ionizer. The available adaptive suspension should further help smooth out the ride.
Interior
Buick's seven-seat configuration should provide ample room for second-row and third-row passengers. Getting in and out is further helped this year by a tilt-up second-row seat that can provide quick access to the third row, even with a child safety seat installed.
Utility
With all rear seats folded down, you have a very large load floor. Standard roof rails can handle optional crossbars to load bulky and large items on the roof. Maximum cargo space is less than last year, but it's still healthy at 97.6 cubic feet.
Technology
Smartphone integration is standard, and advanced driver assist functions are only available in higher trim vehicles. The Essence and Premium can be optioned with a Bose speaker system, and the Avenir can be equipped with stop-and-go adaptive cruise control.
Which Enclave does Edmunds recommend?
To take advantage of the luxury positioning of this new Enclave, we recommend the Enclave Premium . It includes low-speed forward collision mitigation, driver seat and mirror position memory, and an upgraded Bose audio system. Front-wheel drive is standard, but get the optional all-wheel drive if you live in snow country.
2018 Buick Enclave models
The 2018 Buick Enclave is available in four trims. They all use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine (302 hp, 260 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard Enclave is available only in front-wheel drive; the remaining trims are available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Essence features additional safety and comfort tech, while the Premium trim adds more luxury and safety amenities. At the top, the Avenir promises tech, safety and comfort features on par with what's offered in the best luxury crossovers. All Enclaves have seating for seven.
