“The Premium Buick Enclave is a beautifully styled high performance vehicle. My sister has owned two, and I was always impressed with the styling, comfort and the ride. On the occasions when I got to drive, it felt solid and yet easy to control. I fell in love. I had to have one of my own. Tom R.Maryland”
2016 Buick Enclave: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Buick Enclave is essentially a carryover, with no major mechanical, styling, or technology update. The main change is a heated steering wheel that warms the full rim on Leather and Premium trims.
About the 2016 Buick Enclave
1st generation (2008-2017), late-cycle year after the 2013 refresh; second-to-last model year of this generation.
Buick positions the Enclave as a quiet, premium three-row family SUV with more comfort and polish than mainstream rivals. The brochure leans on its sculpted styling, richly trimmed cabin, and the idea that all three rows should feel welcoming rather than cramped. For most buyers, the appeal is simple: a roomy seven-seat crossover with a smooth ride, easy third-row access, and a more upscale atmosphere than Buick’s Chevrolet and GMC cousins.
The Convenience trim is the upscale starting point, with seven seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and a power liftgate. Leather adds heated leather seats and blind-spot monitoring, while Premium adds navigation, Bose audio, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.
What changed, by category
Tech
The heated steering wheel on Leather and Premium trims now warms the full rim instead of only part of it.
2016 Buick Enclave specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 288 hp | 288 hp | 288 hp |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft | 270 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 115.2 cu-ft | 115.2 cu-ft | 115.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.2 in | 33.2 in | 33.2 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Memory Steering Wheel | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Buick Enclave redesigned?
No. The 2016 Enclave remains part of the first generation and carries over the design introduced by the 2013 refresh. There is no major exterior, structural, or mechanical update for 2016.
What is the main difference between the 2016 and 2015 Buick Enclave?
The main difference is the heated steering wheel on 2016 Leather and Premium trims, which warms the full rim rather than only part of it. Most of the vehicle otherwise carries over from 2015.
Did the 2016 Buick Enclave get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2016 Enclave keeps the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2015.
Which 2016 Buick Enclave trims have driver-assistance features?
The Leather trim has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Premium adds forward collision warning and lane departure warning to those features.
Is the 2016 Buick Enclave meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
No, the differences are minor. The engine, transmission, three-row cabin, trim structure, exterior design, and infotainment layout remain largely the same, so the full-rim heated steering wheel is the notable update.
2016 Buick Enclave Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Buick Enclave.
4.3
2016 Buick Enclave
(476 reviews)
“Had early issues with the failure of the transmission, I will always tell someone about that. It broke down 10 days after purchase. Otherwise, I would recommend my vehicle for seating, comfort, room, versatility.”
“Love the vehicle! The ride is great and the extras in the vehicle are nice. A/C seats, DVD, leg room in front and back.”