2018 Buick Enclave SUV. 2nd generation
The 2018 second generation Buick Enclave is a seven-seater front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive SUV, equipped with a base engine producing 310 hp. Despite the fact that the Enclave still remains between the Chevrolet and Cadillac in the hierarchy of General Motors, it is a completely different vehicle, radically different from its predecessor.
Distinctive features
According to the estimates of J.D. Power, the new 2018/2019 Buick Enclave is most often bought by adult women (44%) with a high average annual income (over $ 116,000 per year).
The Enclave owners do not identify themselves as customers, who are primarily focused on the cost of the car (there are only 9% of those in the total sample). They are also patriotic at the local level, preferring to buy cars close to home. Ladies reported that the most valuable qualities in Enclave cars for them were, in descending order:
- driving dynamics;
- exterior;
- interior design;
- dynamics and engine power;
- transmission;
- safety;
- space;
- climate control;
- infotainment system.
Engine and chassis
All the 2019/2020 Buick Enclave trim levels are standardly equipped with a 310 hp 6-cylinder engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. According to reviews, the SUV is fast, well-controlled, but not sporty, despite the reduced weight compared to its predecessor.
However, the engine and chassis provide fast but smooth acceleration, smooth gear shifting, and a relaxed ride, especially in models equipped with adaptive suspension. Featuring a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and a multi-link rear system, the new Buick, despite being large, is not as bulky on the road as its size suggests.
Parameters and appearance
The new Enclave weighs more than two tons, it is slightly longer than the previous generation (more than five meters), which provides additional legroom for passengers in the second and third rows, and the cargo space is less than that of its predecessor, but still very impressive, reaching more than 670 liters.
By reducing cargo space, the developers wanted to show the direction of progress: away from country-folk-Chevrolet, closer to rap-pop Cadillacs. But this has not been fully achieved, as with the seats folded down, the cargo floor is very large, and the standard roof rails are suitable for additional crossbars, on which you can still load a haystack and a bull. The clever interior layout provides an increase in space up to 2,775 liters. There is also an 84 liter storage compartment under the load floor.
The 2020 Buick Enclave is seven-seater only (the previous version could have eight seats). However, experienced Buick drivers say that the third row is too tight, thus we can consider the new Enclave as a 6-seater. The back seat has enough room for two adults, but three passengers will feel too close to each other.
If you think of the Enclave as a 6-seater, then the interior of the SUV is indeed very spacious: the sliding and reclining second-row seats provide legroom just like a limousine, plus the seat on the passenger side in the second row folds forward, which provides access to the rear of the passenger compartment.
As for appearance, the second generation Enclave is considered a very elegant car, featuring a very detailed design, unlike American big cars. The vehicle attracts attention on the road, looks expensive and top-class, especially in the premium version with 20-inch wheels.
Trim levels
The 2020/2021 Buick Enclave is offered in four trim levels, which differ mainly in trim and interior equipment. The standard Enclave is only available with front-wheel drive, and other versions are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The following trim levels can be provided:
- Base: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, six USB ports, satellite radio, six-speaker sound system, hands-free tailgate, power front seats, 3 -zone automatic climate control, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, remote start, button start and keyless entry.
- Essence: Standard body kit plus blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning system, navigation system and a sunroof.
- Premium: Bose 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, power third row seats, tilt-adjustable telescopic steering wheel, forward collision warning system, low speed automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection system, lane keep assist, lane departure warning system, front parking sensors and seat vibration in dangerous situation.
- Avenir: Navigation system, rear camera mirror, wireless charger, adaptive suspension, full speed automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Safety
Standard safety features of the second generation Enclave include: rearview camera, rear and front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning system, frontal collision warning system, automatic emergency braking at low and full speed, pedestrian detection functions, a parking camera system with a surround view and a mirror with a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control (in the Avenir trim).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) awarded the 2018 second generation Buick Enclave a five-star (out of five) rating in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crash and rollover tests.
