“It's nice but it has some down falls , a manual cover over the moon roof, no rain sensing wipers, no heads up display is a big one, and no power pedals.”
2018 Buick Enclave: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Buick Enclave is a full redesign and the first year of its second generation. Its headline change is an all-new platform, joined by a new Avenir flagship trim.
About the 2018 Buick Enclave
2nd gen (2018-2024), first year of the redesign
Buick positions the Enclave as a premium three-row family SUV that mixes quiet-road-trip comfort, generous passenger space, and everyday cargo flexibility. Its core appeal is giving families a calmer, more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals without moving fully into luxury-brand pricing. The strongest themes are seating for seven, a hushed cabin, easy-to-use tech, and a polished ride that makes long trips and daily errands feel more relaxed.
The redesigned Enclave is a quiet, roomy three-row SUV with heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a hands-free liftgate standard across the lineup. Essence adds leather and useful driver alerts, while Premium brings more comfort and safety equipment. Avenir sits at the top with richer leather, navigation, a panoramic-style moonroof, surround-view cameras, and exclusive exterior details.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new, stronger 3.6-liter V6 replaces the previous engine and is paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission across the lineup. Output rises from 288 to 305 horsepower.
Styling
The exterior and cabin are completely redesigned. The new Avenir flagship adds its own grille, exterior details, richer interior materials, and real wood trim.
Safety
The new trim structure expands driver-assistance equipment. Essence has blind-zone monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Premium adds lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision warning, front parking sensors, and a vibrating safety-alert seat. Avenir adds surround-view cameras and a rear camera mirror.
Tech
Every trim gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. LED headlights, heated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, active noise cancellation, and alloy wheels are also standard across the lineup.
Structural
The second-generation Enclave moves to a new platform with a longer, lighter body, more room for second- and third-row passengers, and a new five-link rear suspension.
2018 Buick Enclave specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 305 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp | 305 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 97.6 cu-ft | 97.6 cu-ft | 97.6 cu-ft | 97.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Buick Enclave fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2018 Enclave begins the second generation with a new platform, new exterior and cabin, revised powertrain, and reorganized trim lineup. It is a major overhaul rather than a light refresh.
How is the 2018 Buick Enclave different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 Enclave is longer and lighter, has more second- and third-row passenger room, and uses a stronger V6 with a 9-speed automatic instead of the previous 6-speed. It also has an entirely new cabin and exterior, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a revised trim lineup.
What engine and transmission does the 2018 Buick Enclave have?
Every 2018 Enclave has a 3.6-liter V6 producing 305 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is new for the redesigned model.
What is the 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir?
The 2018 Avenir is the Enclave’s new top luxury trim. It has exclusive exterior details, upgraded leather, real wood trim, navigation, wireless phone charging, surround-view cameras, a rear camera mirror, and a moonroof with a fixed rear skylight.
Does every 2018 Buick Enclave have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2018 Enclave through its 8-inch touchscreen system.
2018 Buick Enclave Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Buick Enclave.
4.1
2018 Buick Enclave
(286 reviews)
“Vehicle has lots of safety features and the technology was more than we expected. Very pleased with the purchase.”
“Vehicle has all the features I wanted, and a few I didn't know I wanted and needed that I love. Very roomy, can fit all my grandkids in it! Only negative is I get significantly lower "in-town" gas mileage than advertised.”