Take a look at Drive: 2023 Buick Enclave Avenir | The Every day Drive

2023 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD

Class: Premium Midsize Crossover

Shade: Moonstone Grey Metallic

Miles pushed: 359

CG Report CardRoom and ComfortAPower and PerformanceBFit and FinishA-Gas EconomyBValueA-Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup.Large & Tall ComfortBig GuyATall GuyABig & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.Drivetrain Engine Specs310-horsepower 3.6-literEngine TypeV6Transmission9-speed automaticDrive WheelsAWD

Noticed gas financial system: 18.2 mpg

Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway

EPA-estimated gas financial system: 17/25/20 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Gas sort: Common fuel

Snow Efficiency: N/A

Base value: $59,100 (not together with $1395 vacation spot cost)

Choices on take a look at car: Avenir Know-how Bundle ($1595)

Worth as examined: $62,090

Fast Hits

The nice: Extremely-quiet cabin, class-leading experience high quality

The nice: Ample area for six passengers, upscale inside trappings

The not so good: Characterless dealing with

Tom Appel:

Luxurious has gotten too aggressive. I’m speaking automobiles right here, and it appears that evidently each maker of premium automobiles has gotten busy tarting their merchandise up with go-fast components, or, extra generally, components that look quick.

By one estimate, greater than half of all Mercedes-Benz automobiles bought within the U.S. characteristic some extent of AMG (the maker’s efficiency sub model) tuning or décor. Equally, BMW sells extra M (assume AMG) automobiles than it does non-M automobiles and crossovers.

Even Lexus, purveyor of refined and high-value luxurious automobiles, has gotten into to the aggressively sporty mannequin sport, providing F Sport variants of most of its lineup. You’ll be able to learn our evaluation of the 2023 RX 350 F Sport right here.

It is for that reason that I discover the redesigned Buick Enclave so refreshing. Launched for the 2008 mannequin yr, Enclave is the biggest crossover within the Buick lineup, and the one one of many model’s fashions to characteristic three rows of seating. Enclave was freshened for the 2022 yr, and was handled to a number of updates, together with revised entrance and rear styling (together with new headlamp remedies), an up to date middle console that includes a push-button gear selector, upgraded cabin appointments, in addition to accessible adaptive cruise management, head-up show, and rear pedestrian detection.

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For 2023, The Enclave is obtainable in three trim ranges: base Essence (beginning round $47,000), midlevel Premium ($54,000), and topline Avenir ($60,000). All Enclaves come commonplace with front-wheel drive; AWD provides $2900 to the underside line.

Enclave is obtainable solely with a 310 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 mated to a 9-speed automated. If this mix sounds acquainted that’s as a result of Basic Motors makes use of it in numerous company merchandise, together with the Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia, and the Chevrolet Traverse.

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Even for the 3-row midsize crossover class, the Enclave is giant. Buyers on this phase usually put a excessive precedence on room and luxury, so it’s value noting that the Enclave is among the many largest 3-row crossovers accessible. Whereas the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, and Subaru Ascent all experience on 114-inch wheelbases—and the Ford Explorer on a 116-inch stretch—the Enclave, and its Chevrolet cousin the Traverse—characteristic wheelbases of 121 inches. The extra area provides the Buick class-leading 2nd– and Third-row passenger area.

Shopper Information just lately spent per week behind the wheel of an AWD 2023 Enclave Avenir that includes the Avenir Know-how Bundle. Our Moonstone Grey Metallic take a look at automotive got here to $62,090 together with vacation spot cost.

The $1595 Know-how Bundle contains the Premium Experience Suspension, Constantly Variable Actual Time Damping, and distinctive Avenir headlamps. Nevertheless it’s the chassis upgrades that matter most. Extra on that in a second…

Whereas we usually keep away from subjective evaluations of a car’s design, we’re impressed by how effectively the Enclave hides its dimension. It seems neither cumbersome nor lengthy, and the creased horizontal physique parts give the Enclave a tidy and lean look that presents effectively and appears fashionable.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir seems cool and complicated. Upscale options embody stitched leather-based sprint trim, grained-wood inserts, and loads of soft-touch surfaces. The muted shade pallet in our take a look at Enclave is likely to be described as austere by some, however we present in elegant and understated.

The Basic Motors-familiar digital touchscreen interface responds rapidly to inputs and contains giant, easy-to-interpret icons. Maybe the one infotainment disappointment is the 10-speaker Bose audio system, which although high quality, doesn’t play on the identical stage as premium programs present in different luxurious crossovers.

Photograph Characteristic: 1932 Buick Sequence 90 Convertible Phaeton

As for area, Enclave gives up real 6-passenger consolation, that includes commonplace 2nd-row captains chairs and best-in-class Third-row consolation. Be aware: The Third-row bench gives for 3-abreast seating, however for lengthy hauls we suggest limiting the passenger rely to only 2 of us.

On the highway, Enclave impresses most with its quiet cabin and intensely snug experience. Because of this, we suggest the Know-how Bundle with its adaptive suspension. Certainly, the Enclave serves up the type of serene driving expertise one may count on from a Rolls Royce sedan. That refinement comes at a price; the Enclave will not be in any manner sporty, and the massive crossover’s handing traits may finest be described as ample. That stated, there’s nothing improper with how Enclave handles, simply know that this massive Buick is extra about freeway cruising than onramp charging.

The powertrain underscores the Enclave’s mission of refinement, serving up loads of quiet, satisfying energy, with little noise and largely unfelt shifts from the silky automated transmission. Whereas the Enclave isn’t any ball of fireside, however we discover the Buick’s massive V6 vastly preferrable in operation to the customarily coarse turbocharged 4-cylinder engines discovered underneath the hood of many midsize crossovers today. That stated, our noticed 18.2-mpg efficiency over per week of testing was a bit disappointing. That stated, in contrast to most luxurious crossovers, the Enclave doesn’t require costly premium fuel.

Like each car within the Buick lineup, the Enclave spans the divide between mainstream merchandise and luxurious choices. In Avenir trim, our $60,000-plus take a look at car actually performs in premium-car territory, and acquits itself there very effectively.

In the event you’re not known as to decorate up your loved ones hauler with spoilers, rocker-panel extensions, coloured brake calipers, and mildly tuned suspensions, you may do effectively so as to add the Enclave to your test-drive quick listing. In Avenir trim, Enclave is a cultured, refined, spacious household hauler that appears good, and serves up loads of cargo quantity. It’s simply not sporty, and that’s okay with us.

Fast notice: The 2024 Enclave is arriving in showrooms quickly; it’s unchanged from the ’23.

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2023 Buick Enclave Avenir Gallery

(Click on beneath for enlarged pictures)

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