2019 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD Review by John Heilig - It's E15 Approved

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel

REVIEWED MODEL: 2019 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD
ENGINE: 3.6-liter V6
TRANSMISSION: 9-speed automatic
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 310 hp @ 6,800 rpm/266 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm
WHEELBASE: 120.9 in.
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 204.3 x 78.8 x 69.9 in.
TIRES: P255/55R20
CARGO CAPACITY: 23.6/58/97.6 cu. ft. (all rows up/3rd row down/2nd and 3rd rows down)
ECONOMY: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/13.9 mpg test
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 21.7 gal.
CURB WEIGHT: 4,685 lbs.
TOWING CAPACITY: 5,000 lbs.
COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Expedition, Infiniti QX80, Lexus LX
STICKER: $56,450 (includes $1,195 delivery, $650 options)
BOTTOM LINE: Despite its size, the three-row Buick Enclave is a sweet vehicle, doing almost everything you ask it to do with elegance.

I don’t know if you can call a three-row sport utility sweet, but the Buick Enclave comes closest to that definition. Maybe it’s the color of my hair that makes me lean toward Buicks, or maybe it’s the Enclave itself.

Enclave is the largest of Buick’s three SUV lineup. As such, it’s a very good people and cargo carrier. So often we have to make compromises with our vehicles. With the Enclave, few compromises are necessary. Okay, there’s that business of of raising or lowering the third row when more than four passengers need a ride (or when inquisitive grandchildren have to check everything). I’ll admit the Enclave isn’t completely perfect. There’s that thing with the heated or ventilated seats that seems to automatically turn on when you sit down. Really, this is usually a pleasant surprise, because the Enclave knows whether to make it heat or cool.

Under the hood is GM’s venerable 3.6-liter V6 that, at 310 horsepower, provides more than enough power for the Enclave. The engine powers all four wheels through a smooth 9-speed automatic. I had some issues, good ones, with the shifter that required some thought before simply banging it into gear. The pattern is different, but not impossible, much like BMW’s recent shift patterns.

There’s a clear instrument panel with a large centrally mounted analog/digital speedometer. Fuel, water and battery voltage gauges are off to the right and the tachometer is off to the left. There’s a nice infotainment screen with the usual functions.

Interior storage consists of a large, practical center console/arm rest with an insert to add to its practicality.

The Enclave has nice interior styling. Whoever is in charge of GM’s internal styling is doing a great job with all the brands.

Front seats are comfortable, but with minimal side support. The second row captain’s chair offer good legroom. Between them is a center aisle that is great for third row access. Both second row seats also have fold-down arm rests.

Third row seats have a power fold from the cargo area. There’s still very good cargo capacity even with the third row seats up. For example, my golf bag fit in there easily. Also, there’s an additional three cubic feet of cargo capacity under the floor.

Overall, the Buick Enclave is a solid three-row sport utility that has features that appeal, of course, to senior citizens, but also has the seating capacity and “sweetness” for young families.

2019 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD Review by John Heilig - It's E15 Approved

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