“Make sure you can handle limited sight out the rear window. Visibility out the rear window is terrible, and the rear wipers' placement and cleaning capacity are horrible.”
Buick Enclave: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Buick Enclave is a three-row SUV with seating for seven, positioned as Buick’s premium family model. It is known for a quiet ride, a roomy cabin, upscale styling, and road-trip-friendly space.
The Enclave has always put comfort and family space ahead of sporty handling or off-road ability. Across three generations, it has paired a quiet cabin with three-row practicality and a more polished feel than a typical mainstream SUV. Recent redesigns have added more technology and a more upscale look without changing that basic purpose.
Strengths
- Its quiet, comfort-focused cabin makes everyday driving and long trips more relaxing.
- Three rows and seating for seven give families room for passengers without moving to a full-size SUV.
- Cargo capacity is a strong point, reaching 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in the 2026 model.
- Every 2026 Enclave includes the equipment needed to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- The 2025 redesign brought a large 30-inch display with built-in Google apps.
- Its upscale look and cabin feel give it a more polished character than many mainstream family SUVs.
Who it's for
The Enclave suits families who need three rows for daily life and plenty of room for luggage on longer trips. It is a good fit for shoppers who want something quieter and more upscale than a typical family SUV, but who do not need an off-road-focused or overtly sporty model.
Buick Enclave lineup
Preferred has served as the entry trim in several model years, making it the natural pick for shoppers who want the Enclave’s core space and comfort without moving higher in the range. Since the 2025 redesign, Sport Touring has occupied the middle position between Preferred and Avenir. Avenir, introduced for 2018, is the enduring flagship and the one to pick for the Enclave’s most upscale presentation. On 2018–2024 examples, Essence and Premium fill the lower and middle rungs below Avenir.
Buick Enclave generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Enclave spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2025, following the 2nd Generation (2018–2024).
3rd Generation (2025–Present)
The third-generation Enclave has a larger body, a more upscale cabin, and a 328-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in place of the previous V6. A 30-inch display with built-in Google apps anchors the redesigned dashboard.
28 In Stock
2026
The factory towing package became standard across the lineup, supporting up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
2025New generation
A full redesign brought a larger body, a new turbocharged four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic, a 30-inch display, and a revised three-trim lineup.
2nd Generation (2018–2024)
The second generation introduced a lighter, longer body with more passenger room, a stronger 3.6-liter V6, and a nine-speed automatic. The 2022 refresh updated the styling, center console, safety features, and phone integration.
134 In Stock
2024
The V6 powertrain, three-trim lineup, safety features, and touchscreen system carried over.
2023
This post-refresh model carried over without significant changes.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling joined a redesigned center console, more standard safety features, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Preferred trim was dropped.
2021
The four-trim lineup and V6 powertrain carried over in the final year before the refresh.
2020
An updated touchscreen system with an 8-inch display became standard across the lineup.
2019Trim changes
The Preferred trim replaced the 1SV as the base model. The hands-free power liftgate also gained LED logo projection.
2018New generation
A full redesign brought a lighter, longer body, more passenger room, a stronger V6, a nine-speed automatic, and the new Avenir top trim.
1st Generation (2008–2017)
The original Enclave established the model as a quiet, roomy three-row vehicle with V6 power and a six-speed automatic. A substantial 2013 refresh reworked the exterior, dashboard, touchscreen system, and safety equipment.
47 In Stock
2017
The V6 powertrain, three-row cabin, and three-trim lineup carried over for this generation’s final year.
2016
The styling, V6 powertrain, cabin layout, and three-trim structure remained largely unchanged.
2015
The V6 powertrain and comfort-focused three-row layout carried over with only small upper-trim equipment updates.
2014
Forward collision alert and lane departure warning expanded to more of the lineup. The touchscreen gained text-to-voice capability, and two rear USB charging ports were added.
2013Mid-cycle update
New front and rear styling joined a redesigned dashboard, a standard touchscreen, a front-center airbag, and revised ride and transmission tuning.
2012Trim changes
Hill Start Assist was added in the final year before the 2013 refresh.
2011
The V6 powertrain, three-row layout, and CX, CXL-1, and CXL-2 trim structure carried over.
2010
CXL was split into CXL1 and a new CXL2 equipment group. The automatic transmission was also retuned for quicker downshifts.
2009
A stronger direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 became standard, raising output to 288 hp.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Buick Enclave.
2026 Buick Enclave2025 Buick Enclave2024 Buick Enclave2023 Buick Enclave2022 Buick Enclave2021 Buick Enclave2020 Buick Enclave2019 Buick Enclave2018 Buick Enclave2017 Buick Enclave2016 Buick Enclave2015 Buick Enclave2014 Buick Enclave2013 Buick Enclave2012 Buick Enclave2011 Buick Enclave2010 Buick Enclave2009 Buick Enclave
Frequently asked questions
Is the Buick Enclave a three-row SUV, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The Buick Enclave is a three-row SUV with seating for seven. Its second-row captain’s chairs also leave a clear path between the seats, which helps families reach the third row.
Is the Buick Enclave a hybrid?
No. Buick has used gasoline engines rather than a hybrid system in the Enclave. Most 2009-2024 models have a V6, while 2025-and-newer models use a turbocharged four-cylinder.
What is the Buick Enclave known for?
The Enclave is known for combining three-row family space with a quiet, comfortable cabin and an upscale feel. It favors relaxed daily driving and road trips over aggressive handling or rugged trail use.
Is the Buick Enclave a good road-trip SUV?
Yes. The Enclave’s quiet ride, seven-seat cabin, generous cargo space, and comfort-focused design suit long family drives. Newer versions also offer useful towing ability and broad driver-assistance technology.
Is the Buick Enclave sporty or meant for off-roading?
Not really. The Enclave is mainly a smooth, polished family SUV. Even the Sport Touring trim focuses more on darker styling and a more controlled ride than extra power or serious off-road hardware.
How many generations of the Buick Enclave are there?
There are three. The first generation ran from 2008 through 2017, the larger second generation covered 2018 through 2024, and the third generation arrived with the 2025 redesign.
How much can a Buick Enclave tow?
Newer Enclaves are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds with the proper trailering hardware. That equipment became standard across the lineup for 2026. Capacity on earlier used examples varies by year and equipment, so check the individual SUV.
Buick Enclave Reviews
What owners are saying about the Buick Enclave.
4.2
Buick Enclave
(2,805 reviews)
“I like the new body style, handling and interior, especially the dash with the apps”
“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.”
“I love the Buick Enclave, the one thing I'm disappointing with is the storage area under the council, it's useless because it's hard to get to. A better design should replace his.”
“Disappointed in not having keyless start. For a car that is supposedly prestigious the absence of keyless start is a major drawback for us.”
“Buick Enclave is a great ride -- room and comfortable. Great value for the money!”
Sources
- news.gm.com — 2024 / Apr / 0409 Encalve
- news.buick.com — 2024 / Apr / 0409 Encalve
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBE23CT100 2024 ENCLAVE FO 050924
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBE23CT100 2024 ENCLAVE FO 050924
- media.buick.com — Enclave / 2024 / 2024 Buick Enclave
- media.buick.com — Enclave / 2023 / 2023 Buick Enclave 042222
- media.buick.com — Enclave / 2022 / Buick Enclave Infographic
- buick.com — Explore / News / 2025 Buick Enclave
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 03 Pdfs / GMBE23CT000FO 2023 Enclave Specifications 030223
- news.buick.com — 2021 / Jun / 0603 Enclave
- buick.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdfs / GMBE23CT000 2023 Enclave Catalog Desktop 042523
- news.buick.com — Enclave / 2022 / Buick Enclave Infographic