As the SUV continues to rise in popularity, there is a model in the marketplace for any type of driver and situation. It seems difficult to imagine how things were just a few short decades ago, when the enormous giants that catered to full-sized families and avid off-roaders were the only options to be found. Now, with several EV options for the environmentally-conscious consumer, sporty crossover models, and every other incarnation one could possibly think of, it only makes sense that the brands that are known for providing unsurpassed luxury would throw their hat into the ring as well. This is nothing new, as the early 2000s saw the Cadillac Escalade become a prominent status symbol in popular culture, something that was also helped by its multiple appearances in hip-hop music videos.
There tends to be a catch when it comes to the purchase and ownership of any luxury vehicle. Logic suggests that a vehicle with high-end luxury comes with a higher-than-average price tag. Today, we’re here to prove that this assumption is simply not true. Join us as we take a closer look at the 2023 Buick Enclave and its refinement and sophistication.
The Look of Luxury
Take a quick glance at the Buick Enclave, and you might not believe it’s part of the red, white, and blue brand. In fact, were it not for its conspicuous and well-known logo, you’d think that the Enclave is an exciting European import, rather than an SUV from a brand best known for classic American luxury. Its glossy exterior has curves in all of the right places. Its 20-inch wheels are one of the first things you notice. The front grill and narrow headlights blend both European and domestic designs together, making it a welcome addition to the GM fleet. With a starting MSRP of only $46,195, the Enclave is priced considerably less than its counterparts from across the Atlantic, making it a more attractive option.
Posh Performance
While not everyone makes the choice to buy a luxury vehicle because of its refined powertrain, it’s certainly an attribute that many find attractive. To be realistic when it comes to high-performance SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus is just slightly out of the average price range. All of that aside, the Buick Enclave packs a punch in the performance department. Standard on all trims is a 3.6L V6 engine that boasts an impressive 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Unlike many modern SUVs, the Enclave uses no turbochargers, letting the V6 provide familiar and smooth power delivery. This engine is paired with a highly capable nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on Enclave, but it can be upgraded to all-wheel drive if you live in an area that warrants some extra traction, especially during the wintertime. For those who possess what’s commonly referred to as a “lead foot” and have a predilection for speed, you’ll be quite impressed with the Enclave’s ability to travel from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.5 seconds. By all accounts, the performance of the Enclave is exceptional when it comes to handling corners and general handling. Many drivers have attested to its smooth operation over all different road conditions. If you have a penchant for luxury but still need to hitch up a trailer from time to time, the Enclave can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
An Interior That Excites and Stimulates
If performance is not on your list of items that you look for in a luxury vehicle, you need not worry. The stylish and sophisticated interiors that are commonly associated with the various offerings from Europe can be found in the Buick Enclave, as well as the various amenities and extras that make any commute thoroughly enjoyable. One advantage of opting for an SUV that doubles as a luxury vehicle is that, more often than not, you get something that still has a fair amount of practicality, but is modeled for those among us with refined and upscale tastes. This is certainly the case with the Buick Enclave. As is to be expected, the interior of the Enclave is anchored by its infotainment screen. All versions of Buick’s SUV get an eight-inch screen that serves as a gateway to the technological features that Buick has to offer. Not only does compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but so does wireless connectivity and the capability to access a Wi-Fi hotspot. Also standard across all levels of trim is active noise cancellation, enabling you to drown out the worries of the working world.
The placement of the screen is one of the most intriguing aspects of the Enclave’s interior design. Nestled in between two HVAC vents and firmly placed into the dashboard, it blends seamlessly with the black interior, unique leather, and overall aesthetic of luxury that Buick has managed to capture. Just how luxurious you want it to be depends on the trim level. The Avenir trim offers more in terms of sophistication, such as a program called QuieTuning which helps absorb the sounds of the road for those moments when you’re simply trying to forget that the work and worries of reality exist. Six USB ports mean maximum connection with your smart devices, and a ten-speaker stereo system from the experts from Bose enhances entertainment to its fullest level. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the subwoofer and amplifier that are included to maximize the quality of the sound and eliminate the need for overpriced aftermarket audio accessories.
When Posh Meets Peace of Mind
The people who drive luxury cars have high expectations when it comes to safety and quality assurance. Brands such as Volvo have been balancing sophistication and safety for several decades, and their pedigree in this particular area certainly speaks for itself. From the base trim upward, Buick has gone above and beyond expectations to provide an abundance of safety features for maximum peace of mind. Front and rear park assistance courtesy of an in-depth camera setup, Blind Zone monitoring, forward collision alert, following distance indication, automated emergency braking, and pedestrian detection and braking are all standard. Some of the available features include rear pedestrian alert and adaptive cruise control, which are both worth having if peace of mind is what you seek. It should also be noted that the 2023 Buick Enclave was awarded a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA in collision testing, which once again speaks to the high quality associated with GM.
Luxury for a Low Price Never Looked Better
If you’ve had your eye on a luxury vehicle but have always been turned away by cost, the 2024 Buick Enclave is the chance that you’ve been waiting for. Buick manages to deliver all of the attributes that we associate with a luxury vehicle in a single package that’s easily affordable. With a beefy powertrain and handling capabilities that allow it to compete with European offerings, the only way you’ll know it’s a Buick is by seeing the logo on the outside of the vehicle. Combining the capability and work ethic of Chevy and the sophistication of Cadillac, Buick is the new face of luxury for less.
