Buick Enclave Avenir: A Luxury SUV Tested
The Buick Enclave has long been a mainstay in the three-row SUV segment, offering a blend of comfort, space, and value. The Avenir trim takes the Enclave formula and elevates it to a more luxurious level, aiming to compete with premium offerings from established luxury brands. We spent a week with the Buick Enclave Avenir, putting it through its paces to see if it delivers on its promise of a refined and comfortable driving experience.
Exterior Design: Understated Elegance
The Buick Enclave Avenir boasts a handsome and understated exterior design. It avoids the aggressive and overly styled aesthetic that’s become common in many modern SUVs, opting instead for a more sophisticated and timeless look. The Avenir trim distinguishes itself with a unique mesh grille, chrome accents, and distinctive wheels, giving it a more upscale appearance.
The Enclave’s proportions are pleasing, with a long wheelbase and a gently sloping roofline. The LED headlights and taillights add a touch of modernity, while the overall design is clean and uncluttered. While it might not turn heads like some of its more flamboyant competitors, the Enclave Avenir exudes a quiet confidence and refined elegance.
Interior Design and Features: A Comfortable and Luxurious Space
Stepping inside the Buick Enclave Avenir, you’re greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The Avenir trim elevates the interior with premium materials, including leather upholstery with diamond-patterned stitching, wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces. The overall impression is one of luxury and comfort.
The front seats are supportive and offer ample adjustability, making them comfortable for long drives. The second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, and they can slide and recline to provide even more legroom. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they’re still more accommodating than many other three-row SUVs.
The Enclave Avenir comes standard with a long list of features, including:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable steering column
- Panoramic sunroof
- Bose premium audio system
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Head-up display
- Rearview camera mirror
The infotainment system is easy to use, with a clear and responsive touchscreen. The physical buttons and knobs for climate control and audio volume are also a welcome addition, as they make it easy to adjust these settings without taking your eyes off the road.
Performance and Handling: Smooth and Refined
The Buick Enclave Avenir is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and seamless shifts.
The Enclave Avenir provides a comfortable and refined driving experience. The engine is powerful enough for most situations, and the transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. The ride is smooth and well-controlled, thanks to the Enclave’s suspension system. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver the Enclave in tight spaces.
While the Enclave Avenir isn’t a sports car, it handles well for its size. It feels stable and composed in corners, and the body roll is well-controlled. The brakes are also strong and provide good stopping power.
Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
The Buick Enclave Avenir comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Forward collision alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic parking assist
These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The Enclave has also earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Fuel Economy: Competitive for the Class
The Buick Enclave Avenir’s fuel economy is competitive for the three-row SUV segment. It’s EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. During our week of testing, we averaged around 22 mpg in mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Luxurious features and materials
- Smooth and refined ride
- Comprehensive safety features
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons:
- Understated exterior design may not appeal to everyone
- Third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults
- Fuel economy could be better
Overall Impression:
The Buick Enclave Avenir is a compelling option in the luxury three-row SUV segment. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, a long list of features, a smooth and refined ride, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. While its understated exterior design may not appeal to everyone, the Enclave Avenir is a well-rounded and luxurious SUV that’s worth considering.
Who Should Buy the Buick Enclave Avenir?
The Buick Enclave Avenir is a good choice for families who need a spacious and comfortable SUV with three rows of seating. It’s also a good choice for those who want a luxurious SUV without the high price tag of some of its competitors. If you value comfort, space, and safety, the Buick Enclave Avenir is definitely worth a look.
Alternatives to Consider:
- Acura MDX
- Infiniti QX60
- Lincoln Aviator
- Cadillac XT6
- Volvo XC90
Conclusion:
The Buick Enclave Avenir successfully blends practicality with luxury, offering a refined and comfortable driving experience for families. While it may not be the most exciting SUV on the market, it excels in providing a spacious, well-equipped, and safe environment for passengers. If you’re in the market for a luxury three-row SUV, the Buick Enclave Avenir is a strong contender that deserves your attention. It offers a compelling value proposition, combining premium features with a more accessible price point than some of its European rivals. The Enclave Avenir is a testament to Buick’s commitment to providing a comfortable and luxurious driving experience for families.
