2019 Buick Enclave Review
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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
- No major changes for 2019
- New front-wheel-drive-only Preferred trim slots below Essence
- Part of the second Enclave generation introduced for 2018
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.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The Buick Enclave offers copious passenger and cargo space along with a touch of luxury. It doesn't have the road-hugging chops like some of its European rivals. But if smartphone connectivity features, comfortable highway ride, and roomy interior are priorities, take a look at the Enclave.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not yet driven any version of this vehicle, but we have experience with the related Chevrolet Traverse. The following is our take on what's significant about the Enclave and what you can expect.
Driving
The V6 provides a nice bit of thrust off the line when you put your foot down, but it tapers off at higher rpm. Expect a 0-60 mph sprint of about 7 seconds, which would be an average time for a three-row SUV. Handling capability should be similarly class-average.
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 facilitated 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 huge load floor. Standard roof rails can handle optional crossbars to load bulky and large items on the roof. Maximum cargo space is a healthy 97.6 cubic feet.
Technology
Smartphone integration is standard, but advanced driver assist functions are only available in higher trim vehicles. The Essence and the Premium can be optioned with a Bose speaker system, and the Avenir can be equipped with adaptive cruise control.
Which Enclave does Edmunds recommend?
The Enclave with the most bang-for-your-buck is the midgrade Essence. This trim benefits from the Enclave's already excellent standard technology features and adds leather seating surfaces and driver assist functions to make both highway and city driving safer.
2019 Buick Enclave models
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.
