The 2024 Buick Enclave is simply too expensive to succeed in a very saturated midsize SUV class. The Enclave got its start as one of the first modern Buicks for the 2008 model year. This first model year Enclave aimed to bring Buick to the modern era with progressive, sweeping body lines, a full leather interior with three rows of seats, two of which came with captain chairs, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which produced just under 300 horsepower.

Today, the Enclave is still in the marketplace, and while it is a solid vehicle, it is very expensive for its class. Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Buick Enclave and why it has a $44,000 problem.

2024 Buick Enclave: price, specs, and features

The 2024 Buick Enclave starts at $43,900. For this price, buyers get the base “Essence” trim. This trim level comes standard with a 310 horsepower V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

While all-wheel drive is optional, front-wheel drive is standard. Fuel economy is only average for this larger midsize SUV with this Buick getting an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The base model comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Andriod Auto, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and HD Radio.

According to U.S. News, other standard features include tri-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. On higher trims, the Buick Enclave can also be had with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, a 120-volt power outlet, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Buick Enclave is more expensive than the competition

While the interior of the 2024 Buick Enclave is solid, it isn’t perfect. U.S. News was surprised to report that the cabin was made with some low-grade materials. This seems downright inexcusable when you consider the Enclave is the most expensive midsize sedan on the market.

Even the award-winning Kia Telluride starts much lower, with a starting price of $35,990 MSRP. The seven-seater Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which is surprisingly luxurious for a Jeep, also starts at a lower price. Even the Mazda CX-9 and CX-90 offer more luxurious interiors, sportier driving dynamics, and a more tech-forward interior.

It appears that the Enclave is more expensive than the competition, simply because it has the Buick name associated with it. Yes, the Enclave is a luxury SUV, but it doesn’t do anything better than the competition, yet it is priced above the competition.

Instead of going for the Enclave, consumers would be much better off being at the wheel of a Toyota 4Runner, which is one of the most rugged and capable vehicles on the market. For drivers who want a bargain, it is hard to pass up the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is only priced at $28,450 and offers a very solid and feature-filled interior.

Sadly, the Buick Enclave’s $44,000 problem makes it an SUV that is impossible to recommend unless you get a significant discount on the dealership lot.