Avik Roy Chowdhury 2026 Buick Enclave Review: Spacious Luxury Meets Fuel-Efficient Power
The 2026 Buick Enclave delivers refined comfort, roomy seating for seven, and upscale tech in a three-row SUV that feels like a luxury gem. Adult-friendly rear rows, a massive cargo area, and advanced features like hands‑free driving tech make it a compelling pick in its class.
What’s New in the 2026 Enclave?
The 2026 model continues Buick’s third-generation redesign launched in 2025. No major changes this year, but it retains standout traits:
- Turbocharged 2.5L inline-four engine with 328 hp and 326 lb-ft torque paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available Super Cruise hands‑free driving and continuous damping control on Avenir trim
- Iconic winged LED DRLs, cross‑car taillight bars, and ambient lighting animation on Avenir edition
Competitors
The Enclave delivers more premium feel than mainstream SUVs like the GM sibling Traverse and rivals such as Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. It often costs more but offers a quieter cabin, better rear space, and richer tech features.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptionally spacious: adults fit in all three rows | Cabin gets noisy under heavy acceleration |
| Smooth, quiet ride thanks to QuietTuning sound insulation | Floaty handling and steering feel disconnected |
| Upscale interior with ultra‑wide 30″ display and Super Cruise option | Large touchscreen shrinks CarPlay view |
Performance
Power comes from a 2.5L turbo-4 delivering solid performance and efficiency. EPA estimates sit around 20 mpg city / 27 highway. The ride is best described as relaxed and smooth—great for open highways, though the engine sound can intrude under heavy throttle.
Comfort
Buick’s QuietTuning tech means passengers experience near‑silent cruising. The suspension absorbs bumps effortlessly. Though the adaptive suspension on Avenir helps, many reviewers preferred the balanced ride of the Sport Touring trim. Overall, it rides like a luxury car should.
Interior
All trims seat seven, with second-row captain’s chairs standard. Cargo space spans nearly 23 cu ft behind the third row, expanding to over 97 cu ft when both rear rows fold down. The highlight is the curved 30″ display integrating instrument cluster and infotainment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, big bezels mean the projected CarPlay image is smaller than expected.
Trim Levels
- Preferred (starting around $48K): Well-equipped base trim with captain’s chairs, wireless charging, 20″ wheels.
- Sport Touring (~$2,500 more): Adds blacked-out styling and a slightly crisper ride.
- Avenir (~$59K): Plush leather interior, 22″ wheels, Super Cruise, adaptive damping, and animation lighting.
Edmunds recommends Preferred as the sweet spot: it includes many higher-trim features without the steep price hike Edmunds.
Conclusion
The 2026 Buick Enclave stands out for spacious seating, a serene cabin, and high-end touches usually reserved for luxury SUVs. It may not thrill with sporty handling or sound refinement during hard acceleration, but for families seeking comfort, tech, and adult-friendly space, it’s a top-tier pick. Unless you crave sporty dynamics or ultra‑quiet performance, the Enclave offers balanced, high-value luxury among three-row crossovers.
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