The 2023 Buick is a three-row midsize crossover that competes in a segment packed with popular SUVs like the Acura MDX, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Buick’s entry offers one for seven riders and cargo. It competes primarily on value, with a long list of standard features and a quiet, comfortable interior. But it looks a bit dated and lacks the sophistication of its rivals.
Still, the Enclave’s strengths are enough to consider this premium SUV if you’re shopping for a midsize SUV. In addition to offering plenty of value, this family hauler prioritizes rider comfort. Additionally, the base price is significantly lower than most vehicles in its class, and the price of the fully loaded 2023 Buick Enclave is also thousands less than other midsize SUVs.
It starts at $43,300 for the base Essence trim with front-wheel drive. Upgrade to Premium for $50,300. And the top-of-the-line Avenir trim starts at $55,600 and goes up to nearly $60,000 for a fully loaded 2023 Buick Enclave.
But the Avenir might not be worth the extra expense. Being the top-spec, it lacks the luxury of other premium SUVs and doesn’t offer much more than the standard essence. The base model boasts plenty of family-friendly features, including Wi-Fi, leather seats and six USB ports. Skip the , which adds 20-inch wheels, and you’ll get a more comfortable ride with 18-inch ones, reports US News. Also, if slalom performance is on your list, you’re probably looking at the wrong vehicle.
The 2023 Buick Enclave delivers smooth performance
This SUV offers only one powertrain: a 310hp V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000 more. According to , the 2023 Buick Enclave provides adequate horsepower for highway blending, and the drivetrain is smooth, with well-timed shifts. Fuel economy for all models is an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with all-wheel drive models getting 1 mpg less.
The Enclave also offers a traditional Buick ride. It is well composed and ideal for a quiet cruise. Steering is light but precise, adding to the serene ride. Equipped with AWD, the Enclave handles inclement weather confidently, but it’s not a serious off-roader.
The 2023 Buick Enclave has a spacious interior
The but includes some rough edges and cheap materials, which keep it from reaching the level of luxury. The infotainment system isn’t the newest, but it works well enough. Its touchscreen is responsive with an intuitive menu layout and, unlike many new infotainment systems, includes physical buttons to control various functions.
Higher trim levels add a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, tri-zone climate control, push-button proximity keyless entry and remote start, and a 120-volt power outlet. Options include a panoramic moonroof and digital instrument cluster.
THE . It provides 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row. That grows to 57.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and nearly doubles again to 97.4 cubic feet with the center row folded.
Is the 2023 Buick Enclave a Good SUV?
If space and comfort are musts, he’s got it covered. As an SUV, it does a lot of things right, with adequate power, good road manners, and great comfort. While the interior lacks the opulence of competitors, it’s a well-rounded vehicle.
However, like , it falls short in several areas. Notably, it lacks the performance and features of vehicles like the Acura MDX and Kia Telluride. The interior is a little rough around the edges, with some hard plastics and an outdated infotainment system.
But as a family hauler, the 2023 Enclave gets the job done better than anything short of a minivan. All three rows offer enough room for adults and there’s plenty of cargo space for road trips. And if you need decent towing capacity, the Enclave obliges with a rating of up to £5,000.
