The 2022 Buick Enclave is a big fish in a small pond. There are very few three-row premium SUVs in the automotive market, but the Enclave is one of them. This flagship SUV does a masterful job of straddling the line between mainstream and luxury to provide upscale features at affordable prices. Buick gives this SUV quality driving manners, comfort in all three rows, and excellent electronics to make it a premium package you’ll prefer.

What changed in the 2022 Buick Enclave?

A mid-cycle refresh gives the latest version of the Enclave some much-needed updates. These improvements add enhanced exterior style and more standard tech. According to Kelley Blue Book, Buick also saw fit to add standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it easy for you to leave those charging cords at home. Shifter buttons replace the lever, freeing up space in the front console area.

Interior space and comfort for this SUV

You won’t find a bad seat in this three-row SUV. There are seven comfortable seats to choose from, none of which are cramped. Other SUVs competing with the Enclave can’t boast this for their rearmost row. The Smart Slide seating allows you to access the third row easily, and the set of standard second-row captain chairs offer comfort to passengers in the middle.

The cargo room behind the third row of seats measures 23.6 cubic feet but expands to 97.4 cubic feet when both rear rows of seats are folded. Compared to one of the hottest SUVs in the market now, the Kia Telluride, the Enclave is cavernous. Cargo room for the Telluride measures 21 cubic feet behind the third row and 87 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

How much does the Buick Enclave SUV cost?

The starting price for the 2022 Enclave is $42,800, while the range-topping Avenir trim asks for $56,295. You’ll find a few trims between these two, giving you price points that fall within this range.

One powertrain for this three-row SUV

The Buick Enclave comes with one powertrain for all trim levels. This powertrain is a 3.6-liter V6 engine attached to a nine-speed automatic transmission. You’ll have 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. Choose an FWD model of the Enclave and enjoy 18 city/26 hwy mpg or 17 city/25 hwy mpg in an AWD version. When properly equipped, this Buck SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Which of the three Enclave trims is right for you?

The three trims offered are Essence, Premium, and Avenir. According to Autotrader, each trim has:

Essence Trim (base model)

• LED headlights and taillights
• Push-button shifter
• 8-inch Buick Infotainment screen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Six USB ports
• Satellite radio
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Quiet Tuning technology
• Automatic emergency braking
• Front pedestrian braking
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane-departure warning
• Forward-collision alert
• Automatic high-beams
• Following-distance indicator
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear park assist

Premium Trim

• Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Massaging front seats
• Heated second-row seats
• Two memory settings for the driver’s seat
• 10-speaker Bose audio system
• Power-folding third-row seats

Avenir Trim

• Moonroof
• 8-inch digital gauge cluster
• Adaptive cruise control
• Distinct color palette
• Upmarket interior trim
• Adaptive cruise control
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking

Buick Quiet Tuning makes all the difference

One major difference you’ll find in this premium SUV compared to mainstream models is the cabin’s quietness. This is thanks to the Buick Quiet Tuning package of sound-deadening features. This system reduces vibrations and road noise for the Enclave, giving you a quiet place for everyone to enjoy the drive.

Should you buy the Buick Enclave?

If you need three rows of seats and want an upscale SUV without reaching into the luxury levels of driving, the Enclave is an excellent choice. The sweet spot for this SUV is likely the Premium trim, but the other two trims offer benefits for you as well. Your large family can feel comfortable in every seat of this midsize premium crossover SUV that has the roomiest cabin in this class.