2023 Buick Enclave

The premium three-row midsize SUV class is filled to the brim with highly competent offerings, and Buick's is the Enclave. The 2023 Buick Enclave's competitors include other crossovers that straddle the line between mainstream and luxury, and these include the Volvo XC90, Acura MDX, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the upper trims of the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Going up against such tough rivals is never going to be easy, but banking on its silky-smooth 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, handsome looks, comfortable ride, and refined interior, this proudly American SUV wants a part of the action. If you don't mind the lack of brand recognition and you're after a comfortable three-row SUV, this might be the car for you. So, is trying to appeal to two market segments a shrewd move or the Enclave's downfall?

The price of the Buick Enclave is one of its strong points. The FWD Essence model has a base MSRP of $44,800, while the mid-spec Premium will set you back $52,035. Avenir pricing is considerably higher, at $57,470. Across the range, all-wheel-drive commands a $2,000 premium.

These prices are exclusive of licensing, registration, tax, and incentives, as well as Buick's $1,395 destination freight charge.

It might not have a premium European badge on the grille, but every review of the new Buick Enclave SUV you're likely to read will remark on how it sure rides like a true luxury car. In fact, its ride quality is better than most European rivals, which can err on the side of sportiness a bit too much at the expense of a stiff-legged ride. Throw a silky-smooth 310-hp V6 into the mix with a slick-shifting nine-speed auto to get the most out of it, and you're in for a relaxing time. The Avenir trim can be optioned with adaptive suspension, but we wouldn't bother, because the standard suspension is already extremely comfortable, and it's not as if the adaptive suspension turns the 2023 Buick Enclave into a corner carver on a mountain pass. In fact, all that comfort translates into a car that isn't very fun to drive quickly, regardless of suspension choice. Competitors like the BMW X5 and Acura MDX will embarrass it in the corners, and steering feel is nearly non-existent. Stick to quiet city roads and the highway, and this SUV is a winner. While it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, this is quite a way off the class leaders.

Some SUVs in this class try to be all things to all people and this comes at a price. The Audi Q7, for example, is perhaps the class standard in terms of ride and handling, but even the cheapest Q7 is more expensive than the flagship Enclave. Buick has taken a more focused approach with the Enclave; this midsize premium SUV prioritizes comfort before anything else. The Enclave is a smooth operator, and its chassis, engine, and transmission work together beautifully to deliver a buttery smooth and quiet ride that most European rivals will envy. The naturally-aspirated V6 might not be groundbreaking, but it offers linear power, which is perfect for this type of car. The interior is plush, but we did notice some cheaper materials. This is made up for by a solid feature list and competitive pricing on the two lower trims; at uncomfortably close to $60,000, the Avenir knocks on the door of serious luxury-SUV competition. If you're not a brand snob, the Enclave has much to offer, but the Koreans offer better value, and the Europeans offer more prestige, quality, and genuine luxury. Unfortunately, this relegates the Enclave to the status of an also-ran.

If it was our money, we'd opt for the mid-spec Premier as it strikes a fine balance between value for money and luxury. The cheaper, more economical FWD model would be our choice. To lend the reserved SUV some presence, we would gladly fork out $595 for the Cherry Red paintwork and an additional $1,995 for the Adaptive Cruise and Wheel Package. This brings enhanced safety and better-looking wheels. That would bring the total price up to $56,020 all-in, which, when you consider the standard equipment, represents exceptional value.