The 2018 Buick Enclave hones its appeal with beautiful style, much-improved handling, and no-nonsense technology.
Pros Expressive sheet metal Spare and elegant cockpit Good third-row space Much-improved handling Still rides smoothly
Cons Base seats are cloth All-wheel drive is part-time Fuel economy still just average Best safety features not pervasive Pricey Avenir trim level is more a feature-unlock code
The Avenir name is something new entirely. It's a new sub-brand that Buick is introducing on the Enclave that adds another layer of luxury onto the standard model. It will sit above the Premium model that was previously the most feature-rich trim level offered on the Enclave. Standard features on the Enclave Avenir include a unique mesh grille, 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior colors and materials. The individual features aren't striking on their own, but taken together they do make this Enclave look a step above anything offered on its predecessor. Apart from the Avenir upgrades, the Enclave follows much the same formula as the previous model. It's a spacious three-row crossover with a standard V6 and a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 302 horsepower to either the front wheels or all four wheels on all-wheel-drive models. Towing capacity is up to 5,000 pounds and we expect overall mileage to improve slightly.
The fully redesigned 2018 version is hugely important as the brand’s grandest offering.Buick’s latest three-row ute succeeds in being a marked improvement over its predecessor in every meaningful way.
Pros Shapely design, tons of usable space, refined road manners, lots of available features.
Cons Prices climb quickly with options, a tight third row for three, some cheap bits still visible.
Pros Powerful turbocharged engine Handsome updated styling Standard active safety tech
Cons Luxury Avenir trim will be expensive The brand doesn't command as much respect as some competitors
Buick has completely redesigned the Envision SUV for 2021, imbuing it with an eye-catching design that's far more handsome than the bland 2020 model featured.We haven't had the chance to sample the all-new Envision, but we suspect that the mid-range Essence model will likely satisfy most buyers. Those seeking a luxury ride with all the trimmings should turn their attention to the top-flight Avenir. When we know more about the Envision's standard and optional features, we'll update this story with results.
The redesigned 2021 Buick Envision comes with more standard features and a more stylish look.
Pros Good standard safety features Avenir trim More American-sized proportions Sharper style
Cons No word on price Will it have enough power? Is it bigger inside?
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is no longer offered.Previous five trim levels reduced to three: Preferred, Essence and Avenir.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Pros Quiet interior at highway speeds Both the ride and the seats are comfortable Standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cons Disappointing real-world fuel economy Visibility is compromised by thick pillars Not much fun to drive
