2019 Buick Enclave Review

The 2019 Buick Enclave carries over from the redesigned 2018 model with only minor trim and options updates, and that's a good thing. We like the Enclave's long list of standard features and its high level of in-car technology. You can choose from either front- or all-wheel-drive versions of all trims, except for the new front-wheel-drive-only Preferred.

Whichever version you get, know that you'll have a quiet and comfortable cabin that can seat up to seven passengers. The Enclave is one of the biggest SUVs in its class, in fact, and seat comfort and roominess are two of its strong points. Folding down both the second- and third-row seats provides up to 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

Equally big is the Enclave's corporate sibling, the Chevrolet Traverse. Besides styling, the main reason to get the Enclave is its considerably higher number of standard features. Even the base Enclave comes with keyless entry and push-button start, a hands-free liftgate, and excellent standard infotainment technology that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

The Enclave doesn't have the road-hugging chops like some of its European rivals, and it's not the least expensive in the segment. But if a comfortable highway ride, a roomy interior and getting lots of features are priorities, take a look at the 2019 Buick Enclave.

The 2019 Buick Enclave is available in four trims. They all use the same 3.6-liter V6 engine (302 horsepower, 260 pound-feet) and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Preferred 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.

Even in base Preferred trim, the Enclave comes with features that make it competitive in the three-row SUV segment. It comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, remote engine start, three-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, adjustable second-row captain's chairs, and 60/40-split folding third-row seats. Standard in-car technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot), USB ports (two in front and four for rear passengers), and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

The Essence includes a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a cabin air ionization system and leather seating surfaces. Optionally, you can add all-wheel drive, a heavy-duty tow package that allows you to pull up to 5,000 pounds, a top-down parking camera system, and a sunroof.

Premium models add low-speed forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, front parking sensors, driver-seat memory settings, a 10-speaker premium Bose sound system, lane departure warning and intervention, a heated steering wheel, heated seats for outboard second-row passengers, ventilated seats for the front row, and power-folding third-row seats.

Top-trim Avenir models roll on 20-inch wheels and receive a navigation system (optional on the Essence and the Premium), a larger driver information display, a rearview mirror with integrated camera display, a sunroof, a top-down parking camera system, premium leather upholstery, upgraded interior trim, and a wireless device charging pad. Optionally, you can spec your Avenir with the Avenir Technology package that adds adaptive cruise control, upgraded automatic emergency braking and an adaptive suspension.