Buick Enclave Review 2026: Roomy, Quiet, Easy To Love

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Buick

Enclave

Buick | Enhanced | SUV

In this Buick Enclave Review, we are covering how, in a world crowded with three-row SUVs, the 2026 Buick Enclave promises something families crave: true comfort and room to stretch out on every drive, all without the luxury price tag.

As Buick’s largest SUV, the three-row Enclave provides one of the most spacious cabins in its class, making it a smart choice for families needing room and flexibility. It resembles a larger Buick Envision, but its driving dynamics are more in line with the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia. Across all trims, a four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 328 horsepower with either front- or all-wheel drive. While acceleration and handling are average compared with competitors like the Lexus RX and Acura MDX, ride quality stands out for its comfort, delivering a composed, quiet driving experience. The top-level Avenir trim offers a more upscale experience, but overall, the Enclave does not quite match the luxury status of some rivals.

However, it excels in practicality, with easy entry and exit as well as a smooth, quiet ride that minimizes road and wind noise. Ownership costs are also competitive, thanks to Buick’s reputation for reliability and reasonable maintenance expenses.

What's New?

For 2026, updates to the Buick Enclave focus on both cosmetic and functional enhancements that build on last year’s redesign.

Key changes since 2025:

No change to the powertrain or drivetrain. The 328-horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged engine and drive options are carried over.
The Avenir trim gains two new interior color schemes: Cool Gray and Mocha.
Two new exterior paint choices are added: Iridescent White and Stone Metallic.
A camera mirror is now included as standard on the top Avenir model, improving rear visibility.

These updates are mostly cosmetic, but the addition of the camera mirror brings a useful technology upgrade for drivers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A huge, curved screen, 30 inches long, spans from under the steering wheel to the middle of the dashboard in the shape of a beautiful circle. The digital gauge display and tablet infotainment system give clear images, and wireless smartphone mirroring is possible. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest software interface from General Motors is used. It is built on Google, and you can download a number of apps to personalize the infotainment system. It comes with a 12-speaker Bose music system, multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad for smartphones, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Bose also tunes the 16-speaker sound system in the Avenir trim.

Engine and Performance

As Buick’s largest SUV, the three-row Enclave features a spacious cabin designed to accommodate as many people as possible. It resembles a larger Buick Envision, but its driving dynamics are more akin to those of the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which produces 328 horsepower, is the same across all models. However, you can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Its speed is about average, comparable to that of competitors such as the Lexus RX and Acura MDX. This Buick can only compete in the high-end market with its top-of-the-line Avenir trim level. Other SUVs have more status than this one does. The Enclave has one of the roomiest cabins in its class, so if space is important to you, think about getting one.

We tested a front-wheel-drive Enclave Avenir, which accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. This is slower than the V-6 version that came before it. For comparison, the Acura MDX achieves the same sprint in about 6.3 seconds, while the Lexus RX 350 completes it in roughly 6.5 seconds. This means the Enclave is a bit slower than some of its closest competitors, but still delivers acceptable performance for a family SUV.

Fuel Economy

The EPA has not yet released the fuel economy numbers for the 2026 Enclave. The 2025 model, however, delivered fuel efficiency of up to 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg. When we tested the Enclave’s highway gas mileage at 75 mph, it got 23 mpg.

Safety Features

Standard driver-assistance features on the Enclave include automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. GM’s Super Cruise adaptive cruise control system can be added to any trim level of the Enclave. Super Cruise is GM’s hands-free highway driving system and allows you to drive without using your hands on compatible roads. The following are important safety features:

Automatic emergency stopping and detection of pedestrians.
Standard lane exit warning helps keep you in your lane.
Both hands-free driving mode and adaptive cruise control are available.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

When considering the Buick Enclave’s practicality, it’s helpful to look separately at cargo space and towing ability. These two aspects serve different needs, so we’ll break them down for clarity.

Cargo:

There are always three wide rows of seats open in the Enclave. The Sport Touring and Preferred models come with numerous useful features, but the Avenir is the best choice for those seeking the most comfort. Slip into the Avenir’s two-tone interior, finished in either cream and blue or cream and brown, and you are greeted by leather that is silky to the touch and seats that seem to mold gently to your shape. On a rainy morning test drive, I noticed how the heated front seats took the chill out of the air almost immediately, while the whisper-quiet cabin muted the sound of highway traffic to a soft background hush. Subtle ambient lighting gives the cabin a calming glow in the evening, and passengers in the second row also enjoy the luxury of heated seats. A flat-bottomed steering wheel and the ST logo are two small, sporty features of the Sport Touring model.

Towing:

The Enclave, regardless of trim level, includes a trailer hitch capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. That means it can easily pull a 23-foot boat, a small camper, or a pair of jet skis, making it a solid option for weekend getaways or family vacations.

Price and How to Choose

The 2026 Buick Enclave is anticipated to be priced between $47,000 and $60,000, depending on the chosen trim level and additional options. We would still choose the base Preferred trim because it is affordable and offers almost all the features that people want in a family car. For context, the Enclave Preferred’s starting price is competitive with similarly equipped versions of the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90, both of which are strong contenders in the segment. However, the Enclave stands out by including features like standard 20-inch wheels, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, heated front seats that can be adjusted in height and width, adaptive cruise control, and several driver-assist features at this price point. This makes it an especially compelling value for families seeking a well-equipped three-row SUV without stretching the budget.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptionally quiet, comfortable ride that feels made for long family drives.
One of the roomiest cabins in the segment, with easy access in and out.
Strong standard feature value on lower trims, including useful comfort and safety tech.
Smooth turbo power is adequate for daily driving, with available AWD for bad weather.
Solid towing capability for the class, rated up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Cons

Acceleration and handling are competent but not memorable compared with sportier rivals.
Some of the “near-luxury” feel is limited to Avenir, and even then, it does not fully match true luxury brands.
Real-world fuel economy may not impress, and official 2026 EPA ratings are not yet posted in your draft.
The third row is spacious, but the overall driving experience is more comfort-first than driver-focused.
A few tech items can feel inconsistent, and camera clarity has been criticized depending on trim and setup.