I drove the Buick Enclave for a week — and this 3-row SUV is basically a more affordable Cadillac

I honestly thought the brand had kicked the bucket a long time ago, but when I drove the Envista a couple of months back, it proved to me that Buick is on the path to making a comeback. You really can’t overlook this longtime U.S. automaker.

Despite having a limited selection of vehicles in its portfolio, the Buick Enclave is its top-of-the-line model with 3-row seating — and it's attractively priced starting at $48,395. That’s actually the cheapest luxury 3-row SUV I’ve tested in the last year, beating out the Infiniti QX80, Genesis GV80, and Cadillac Vistiq.

That goes up to an as-tested price of $67,935 for the 2026 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD I specifically drove for a week. Obviously, it comes with upgrades such as all-wheel drive, GM’s Super Cruise system, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and more. What’s even more captivating is how it basically looks like a Cadillac on the inside.

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2026 Buick Enclave: Specifications

2026 Buick Enclave: Testing summary

I drove a total of 138.5 miles during a week of testing the 2026 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD, achieving an average fuel economy of 22.3 mpg. That might sound low, but it's honestly respectable for a three-row SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. In fact, it beat the comparably sized Genesis GV80 by a wide margin.

What’s even more surprising is the outstanding highway fuel economy, which reached 28.1 mpg during one of my long-distance tests. This is remarkable and shows that people movers like this aren't necessarily gas guzzlers.

Given today's high fuel prices, it’s worth noting that Buick has engineered the Enclave to work efficiently with regular gasoline — a stark contrast to the premium fuel required by many competing three-row SUVs.

2026 Buick Enclave: What I Like

Refreshing interior space

From the outside, the Buick predictably looks like a larger Envista — but stepping inside, I’m instantly in awe of its luxurious look. For starters, the white quilted leather seats complement the Buick Blue that dominates most of the dashboard.

This combo makes the entire interior space look and feel refreshing — and far more inviting than the over-the-top, ornate styling found in the Cadillac Vistiq. I previously noted that the Envista’s interior felt cheap due to the amount of plastic it relied on, but the Enclave is on the opposite end of the spectrum with its bright aesthetics, premium materials, and comfortable styling.

Three-row seating with captain’s chairs

While the front seats are spacious and comfortable — featuring massage functions to make any drive more bearable — it is the passengers who are truly traveling in style. Specifically, the Avenir features second-row captain’s chairs that provide a first-class experience because they offer a generous recline and ample legroom for passengers to stretch out.

Ultrawide single display

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Sitting in the driver’s seat, I still can’t believe there’s a massive 30-inch ultrawide curved display serving as the centerpiece of the interior. Unlike other vehicles that tend to break up their panoramic displays, the Enclave's is a single panel that starts on the driver’s side and stretches across nearly the entire width of the dashboard.

While its sprawling size commands attention, the screen remains incredibly detailed, with deep colors and wide viewing angles. Best of all, there are no gaps whatsoever — making the entire unit look seamless.

Excellent super cruise control

I’ve always enjoyed GM’s Super Cruise, which I consider to be one of the best hands-free driving systems available.

For a vehicle as large as this, it's invaluable on long highway hauls because, once activated, the car practically drives itself — complete with automatic lane changes when it detects an opening. It's also highly responsive to traffic conditions, smoothly applying the brakes to maintain a safe following distance when cars merge into my lane.

Impressive Bose Audio System

Nowadays, it takes a lot for me to call out a car’s audio system — but the 2026 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD deserves a mention for its outstanding Bose premium setup.

This 12-speaker system has a trick up its sleeve in the way it replicates the feeling of being in the middle of a concert. Complemented by a deep bass that doesn't overpower the highs, the audio experience makes every drive far more enjoyable.

2026 Buick Enclave: What I Don't Like

Underpowered performance

Given its lower price point compared to other three-row SUVs, the Enclave’s biggest drawback is its smaller engine: a 2.5L Turbo V4 that delivers a peak of 328 hp. In comparison, the similarly sized Genesis GV80 I tested featured a much more powerful 3.5L Twin-turbocharged V6.

Consequently, the Enclave's engine feels like it is working significantly harder when overtaking slower vehicles or accelerating from a complete stop. While there's a Sport mode designed to sharpen acceleration, I didn’t notice a meaningful change in its behavior.

While this may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, the engine does feel like it's struggling more than it should — though the silver lining is that this powertrain delivers impressive fuel efficiency for its class.

Tight legroom in the third row

Finally, I need to address the legroom for the third-row bench seat. While I appreciate this level of utility in a mid-size SUV, there isn't much room for full-grown adults.

With my knees almost touching the back of the captain’s chairs, these seats are best reserved for children. On the flip side, I like how easily the third row collapses to create significantly more cargo space.

2026 Buick Enclave: Verdict

If you prioritize raw horsepower and aggressive cornering, you might find the Enclave’s powertrain underwhelming. However, for those who value a quiet, tech-forward cabin, industry-leading hands-free driving, and significant savings at the pump without sacrificing premium aesthetics, the 2026 Buick Enclave Avenir AWD is a compelling choice. It’s a lot like a Cadillac in terms of its luxurious interior, but without the extravagant cost.

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