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The Buick Enclave got a big refresh for 2022, so it’s no surprise that it’s not seeing many upgrades for 2023. The Enclave is being carried over for 2023 with some simple new options. But the 2022 refresh made Buick’s largest and most-expensive vehicle a compelling choice for a seven-seat luxury SUV. For 2023, the Enclave is getting a new color, and a sport-touring version with new 20-inch wheels. The 2022 Buick Enclave Essence trim remains the base trim. That’s about it, so there may be no reason to wait for a 2023 Buick Enclave to hit your local dealer.

What was new for the 2022 Buick Enclave?

The 2022 Buick Enclave SUV seats seven in luxury.
2022 Buick Enclave | Buick

The Enclave was last all new as a 2018 model. Buick took the Chevy Traverse platform and adapted it for luxury duty with a sleeker look, added Buick’s new grille, and stripped it of its minivan-like looks. In 2022 it got a facelift that included new headlights and taillights, chrome trim, a redesigned front end, and an updated interior that looks cleaner and, in many ways, much more like the interior of the Cadillac Escalade. The 2022 Buick Encore Premium mid-level trim is popular.

The 2022 Enclave also got a host of driver assistance aids standard that were only available in the premium Avenir trim before. Buick is one of the most popular brands in China, and several of the updates were designed to appeal that country’s buyers. It worked, with Buick selling more than 33,000 Enclaves in China last year.

Is the Buick Enclave a reliable SUV?

The 2023 Buick Enclave doesn't see any major changes over the 2022.
2023 Buick Enclave | Buick

Consumer Reports does not rate the Enclave as a very reliable SUV. It did, though, place in the top three in its class. However, as a brand, J.D. Power recognized Buick as the No. 1 in the overall 2022 U.S. Initial Quality Study. Owners reported an average number of problems with the Encore, and rated the driving experience as average at J.D. Power. The compact Buick Encore, however, placed on top with a “great” score at J.D. Power.

What trim levels does the Enclave come in

Dashboard and front seats in 2023 Buick Enclave were updated in 2022.
2023 Buick Enclave | Buick

The 2023 Enclave starts at $44,395 for the Essence front-wheel drive version. The Premium starts at $51,395 and the top trim Avenir starts at $56,695. All Enclaves have a 3.6-liter V6 that makes a robust 210 horsepower, tied to a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on the Enclave. While the V6 makes great peppy power, you do pay a price at the pump with lower fuel economy numbers than its rivals.

Is the Buick Envision a luxury SUV?

Rear angle view of silver 2023 Buick Enclave Premium, a seven-seat luxury SUV.
2023 Buick Enclave | Buick

The Enclave slots into the large luxury SUV market well. It has a luxurious cabin, especially in Avenir trim, for seven that is trimmed in leather and wood, as well as a powerful engine and a smooth ride. It’s GM nine-speed automatic is known to be a smooth operator, and its styling helps it fit in at the local Nordstrom parking lot. But it doesn’t stand out and shout “look at me” like some large luxury SUVs do.

But even with all-wheel drive, this is not an off-road SUV. With low overhangs, and street tires, the Encalve pounds the pavement better than trails.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.