Why Aren’t More People Buying the 2022 Buick Enclave?
If you’re interested in buying a luxury midsize SUV, the 2022 Buick Enclave is an option. However, according to sales data, consumers aren’t buying it very often. Buick has recently improved many of its models, often receiving recommendations from Consumer Reports. How does the 2022 Enclave rank, and does it contribute to the poor sales figures? Why aren’t more people buying the 2022 Buick Enclave?
Very few people bought the 2022 Buick Enclave
First, very few people bought the 2022 Buick Enclave during Q2 2022. Even compared to the same quarter in 2021, the Enclave’s sales are down tremendously. More specifically, the automaker sold 7,885 units of its midsize SUV, according to GoodCarBadCar. Compared to the previous model year, sales are down over 50%. Buyers took home 15,095 Buick Enclave models during Q2 2021. In comparison to competitors, it’s far behind.
For example, the not-so-popular Volkswagen Atlas Sport outsold the Enclave by a few hundred units for Q2. Additionally, the month of June 2022 was awful for Buick’s SUV. 2,595 Enclaves went out the door of dealers, which is about 100 lower than in April and roughly the same as in May. Is there something wrong with this SUV? Why aren’t more people buying the Buick Enclave?
Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend the Enclave
As one of the most trusted resources for reviewing, well, everything, Consumer Reports‘ opinion matters to car buyers. As a result, evaluating its review is vital in determining the source of Buick’s poor sales. While CR did not give the Enclave the coveted “recommended” label, it did place it second for all large luxury SUVs. In a slightly different segment than GCBC’s sales comparison, the Enclave trailed only the BMW X7 for an overall score.
Furthermore, there is a lot to like about this midsize SUV. Its road test report with CR went exceedingly well, scoring on the high end, even compared to some of the best-reviewed models. The publication highlights its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and roomy interior as reasons it would be an excellent choice. Moreover, the infotainment system is easy to use, and the powertrain feels smooth while driving.
Alternatively, Consumer Reports offers some of the downfalls of the Enclave. First and foremost, predicted reliability is poor due to previous model years. Estimating reliability is challenging, but CR uses plenty of previous and current owner data to determine how reliable a new model might be. As a result, the Enclave received nearly the worst possible score in this category. Additionally, the reviewer mentioned some minor details, like the gear selector being challenging to operate.
Fuel economy is king
In addition to a few other minor problems with the 2022 Buick Enclave, there’s fuel economy. Although the luxury midsize and large SUV segments aren’t known for getting great gas mileage, it doesn’t matter in 2022. Buyers are looking to save at the pump thanks to a global surge in gas prices. Whether from a hybrid, electric, or just a more fuel-efficient ICE vehicle, fuel economy is king.
Every Enclave comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and no hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant is available. As a result, buyers are stuck with 12 city and 26 highway mpg. Could this be a significant reason why more people aren’t buying the 2022 Buick Enclave? Those living in places where gas prices are north of $5 per gallon certainly don’t want to average 12 mpg in the city.
Why aren’t more people buying the 2022 Buick Enclave?
In conclusion, the 2022 Buick Enclave is an excellent overall midsize SUV. However, not many people bought it during Q2 2022, even compared to the same period last year. Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend it to its readers but acknowledges it’s one of the best in its class. In 2022, gas prices are high enough that most people want hybrid, electric, or at least very fuel-efficient vehicles. Are 2022 Buick Enclave sales suffering because of its lone, inefficient engine?
