Buick has completely transformed its brand image over the past few years, shifting from a beige and conservative manufacturer to an upscale and sophisticated brand. Its design language has also evolved significantly, which brings us to the 2026 Enclave—more attractive, more modern, and more prestigious than ever.
For 2026, the Buick Enclave lineup consists of three trims, starting with the Preferred model at $63,825. Let me tell you, you get a lot of vehicle for that price. For a more distinctive look, there is the Sport Touring version at $65,825. Finally, the Avenir trim sits at the top of the range with a starting price of $74,825. The latter is by far the most appealing of the lineup.
Just a few years ago, the Enclave's position in the market was somewhat unclear. It wasn't obvious whether it was a mainstream model or a true luxury vehicle. Today, however, I believe we can confidently say that Buick's SUV now competes in the three-row luxury midsize SUV segment and has everything it takes to go head-to-head with established rivals.
Rivals: Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, BMW X5, BMW X6, Genesis GV80, Infiniti QX60, Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, Lexus GX, Lexus RX, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Nautilus, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne.
The Buick Enclave was never a model that appealed to me aesthetically, but that is no longer the case following its latest redesign. The brand has finally given it the character and elegance it deserves. The model offers wheels ranging from 18 to 22 inches, depending on the trim. More color choices would be welcome, but the available options suit the vehicle well.
The interior of the 2026 Buick Enclave is undoubtedly its strongest asset. First and foremost, comfort is outstanding, and the ergonomics have been well thought out. It's a vehicle in which you feel at ease even before pressing the start button. Speaking of comfort, the Buick Enclave also offers massaging seats in certain trims. On the technology front, it's hard not to be impressed by the stunning digital dashboard displayed on a massive 30-inch screen.
The 2026 Buick Enclave offers only one powertrain option. It features a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive comes standard. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.9 L/100 km on the highway, which is right in line with expectations for a vehicle of this size. In addition, the Enclave offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Overall, the lack of powertrain choices is noticeable. A hybrid option or a more performance-oriented powertrain would be welcome additions.
Attention to detail and build quality are impressive. The model is highly versatile and relatively fuel-efficient for a vehicle of its size. Its dashboard design also stands out from the competition.
Buick's SUV delivers an outstanding value-for-money proposition.
Who is the Buick Enclave for? The model delivers an experience that comes surprisingly close to that of high-end German luxury SUVs—for a fraction of the price. Add in exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a head-turning design, and it becomes clear that the Enclave appeals to a very broad range of buyers.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
