Buick Enclave: 2018 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Contender

We like: Refined ride and capable handling

We don’t like: Poor packaging for a premium SUV

The Enclave is Buick’s first model to carry the Avenir badge, a subbrand that will bring more luxury to future vehicles in its lineup. Our judges praised its unique styling and ride quality but were disappointed in its equipment levels for a premium SUV.

Christian Seabaugh observed that the Enclave Avenir “still suffers from the same hard plastics below the beltline as the Chevy Traverse” despite looking somewhat luxurious at first glance.

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Ed Loh said the package wasn’t stellar. “The Enclave’s third-row headroom suffers due to the rounded roofline. My head hits the roof, and it doesn’t in the Traverse.”

On the other hand, the Enclave Avenir received praise for its handling on the winding track and for its well-balanced suspension. “The big girl comported herself with unbelievable grace,” Frank Markus said. “I was never aware of overt stability control intervention, and I was able to set up gentle drifts through some of the turns.” Scott Evans added: “I am barely noticing the bumps on the 110 freeway section. It’s by far the best ride.” And Mark Rechtin summed up: “It feels like something you could drive all day. It’s just planted.”

However, against the criteria, the Enclave in the Avenir trim didn’t stand out as much. With a $60,000 price tag, its value equation takes a hit. When compared to its cousin, the Chevrolet Traverse, it doesn’t stand out as it should. For those reasons, the Buick didn’t make the cut to be a SUV of the Year finalist.

Read about other 2018 SUV of the Year contenders:

• Audi Q5
• BMW X4
• Buick Encore
• Buick Envision
• Chevrolet Equinox
• GMC Terrain
• Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• Jeep Compass
• Maserati Levante
• Mazda CX-5
• Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
• Mini Countryman
• Nissan Rogue Sport
• Toyota C-HR
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volvo V90 Cross Country

2018 Buick Enclave AWD Avenir
BASE PRICE	$56,690
PRICE AS TESTED	$60,035
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	3.6L/310-hp/266-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION	9-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,699 lb (57/43%)
WHEELBASE	120.9 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	204.3 x 78.8 x 69.9 in
0-60 MPH	7.0 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.4 sec @ 84.5 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	134 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.75 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.4 sec @ 0.60 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	17/25/20 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	198/135 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.98 lb/mile

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