2019 Buick Enclave: A Sophisticated Three-Row SUV
The 2019 Buick Enclave stands as a compelling option in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, offering a harmonious blend of spaciousness, comfortable refinement, and modern technology. Designed for families and those who appreciate a more premium driving experience, the Enclave delivers a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and ample room for passengers and cargo alike.
Highlights
The 2019 Enclave distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its appeal:
- Powertrain: At the heart of the 2019 Enclave lies a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating a healthy 310 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, providing confident acceleration for merging onto highways and carrying a full load. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available for enhanced traction in various weather conditions.
- Safety Features: Buick equipped the 2019 Enclave with a comprehensive suite of available advanced safety technologies designed to protect occupants and aid the driver:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential frontal collisions and automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time, helping to mitigate or avoid accidents.
- Forward Collision Alert: Provides visual and audible warnings if it detects a potential front-end collision, prompting the driver to take action.
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: This feature helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing subtle steering wheel input if the system detects unintentional lane drift. The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver audibly and visually if they drift out of their lane without signaling.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: While backing up, this system uses radar to detect approaching vehicles from either side and alerts the driver, making parking safer.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: This system alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in their blind spot, a common area of concern when changing lanes.
- Trim Summary: The 2019 Enclave was offered in three well-appointed trims, each building upon the previous:
- Essence: The starting point, the Essence trim provides a solid foundation of premium features, including leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen.
- Premium: Stepping up to the Premium trim adds further luxury and convenience, often including features like perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a Bose premium audio system, and advanced safety features such as Surround Vision and a rear camera mirror.
- Avenir: The top-tier Avenir trim represents the pinnacle of Buick's luxury offering for the Enclave. It introduces exclusive styling elements, premium materials, and enhanced comfort features, often including a panoramic sunroof, a more sophisticated suspension tuning, and a higher level of standard safety and convenience technologies.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious Interior: The Enclave is renowned for its exceptionally roomy three-row seating, comfortably accommodating up to seven passengers with ample legroom and headroom in all rows. The third row is particularly usable for adults on shorter journeys.
- Generous Cargo Space: Beyond passenger capacity, the Enclave offers a significant amount of cargo space, with generous volume behind the third row and even more with the second and third rows folded.
- Quiet Cabin: Buick has a reputation for creating hushed interiors, and the 2019 Enclave is no exception. Acoustic glass and active noise cancellation work to minimize road and wind noise, creating a serene environment for occupants.
- Comfortable Ride: The Enclave is tuned for a comfortable and compliant ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and providing a relaxing experience for long drives.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Buick Enclave typically offers a predictable and generally positive ownership experience, especially for those who value comfort and space.
- Typical Ownership Experience: Drivers can expect a smooth and refined ride, making it ideal for daily commutes, family road trips, and long-distance travel. The cabin's quietness contributes significantly to the overall comfortable and upscale feel. The intuitive infotainment system is generally user-friendly, and the spacious interior ensures that passengers of all ages can travel in comfort. The vehicle's overall design prioritizes a relaxed and effortless driving experience.
- Maintenance: As with most vehicles, regular maintenance will be key to ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the 2019 Enclave. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, filter replacements, and brake checks. The 3.6L V6 engine is generally considered reliable, but like any engine, its lifespan is dependent on diligent adherence to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Buick dealerships offer comprehensive service, but independent mechanics familiar with GM vehicles can also provide reliable maintenance.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the 2019 Buick Enclave will vary based on factors such as the driver's age, driving record, location, coverage levels, and the chosen trim level. As a mid-size luxury SUV with a V6 engine and advanced safety features, it may fall into a slightly higher insurance bracket compared to smaller or less equipped vehicles. It's always advisable to obtain insurance quotes from multiple providers to find the most competitive rates.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 Enclave excels in many areas, there are a few potential drawbacks that buyers should be aware of:
- Less Engaging Driving Dynamics: While the comfortable ride is a highlight, the Enclave's suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. Those seeking a more engaging or dynamic driving experience might find it a bit too soft.
- Infotainment System Lag: Some users have reported occasional minor lag or responsiveness issues with the Enclave's infotainment system, particularly when navigating through menus or using certain features. While generally functional, it's not always as instantaneous as some competitors.
- Fuel Economy: The 3.6-liter V6 engine, while powerful, is not the most fuel-efficient in its class. Drivers prioritizing maximum fuel savings might find the Enclave's MPG figures to be a consideration, especially in urban driving conditions.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Buick Enclave presents itself as a highly capable and comfortable three-row SUV, particularly appealing to families seeking ample space, a refined interior, and a smooth, quiet ride. Its potent V6 engine, coupled with a good array of available safety technologies and a luxurious Avenir trim, positions it as a strong contender in the premium SUV market. While not the most dynamically engaging or fuel-efficient option, its emphasis on comfort, practicality, and sophisticated design makes it a well-rounded choice for those who prioritize these attributes in their vehicle.
