2023 Buick Enclave: Still a Solid SUV
The Buick Enclave is back! Learn more about the safety features, the infotainment, and the powertrain of the 2023 Buick Enclave.
What’s new for the 2023 Buick Enclave?
What’s new? Well, not a lot. Then again, as we explained in our 2022 Buick Enclave review, Buick did offer a few updates to the SUV just last year, so the 2023 model isn’t exactly dated. Moonstone gray metallic paint is now available as a coloring option. The 2023 Enclave is still part of the second generation of the vehicle that was first introduced in 2018. The biggest update here is probably the Sport Touring package that is available on the Essence trim. It involves replacing polished 20-inch wheels with gloss-black 20-inch wheels.
2023 Buick Enclave – buick.com | Shop 2023 Buick Enclave on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Good exterior styling
Energetic V6
Generous cabin area
Easy, smooth ride
Stacked with infotainment
Not cheap
Middle-of-the-road gas mileage
No real upgrades since 2018
2023 Enclave Specs
- 310 horsepower from base engine
- 266 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 23.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 57.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Up to 8.0-inch touchscreen
- 4-star overall NHTSA rating
- 6 years or 70,000 miles powertrain warranty
2023 Buick Enclave Powertrain
No matter what trim you choose to buy, you’ll end up with the same 3.6L V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission that puts out 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. There’s enough power here to get up to speed on a freeway or highway without worry. There’s also enough strength to tow up to 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) pushes the 2023 Enclave forward while the suspension covers almost any disturbance on the roadway. There’s no sporty handling here, but it’s certainly accommodating and precise. For an extra $2,000, owners can upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD).
2023 Buick Enclave Fuel Economy & MPG
There’s no hybrid option of the 2023 Buick Enclave yet, so the only differences come with the decision to choose AWD or FWD. With FWD, the 2023 Enclave should get 18 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Switching to AWD results in an ever-so-slight drop to 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The Enclave has a 19.4-gallon fuel capacity.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Some other really luxurious brands offer more comfort and amenities than the 2023 Buick Enclave, but the Enclave still has its place. It’s essentially a taste of luxury at a cheaper price than an Audi Q7, a Lincoln Aviator, or Volvo XC90. Every 2023 Enclave comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and perforated leather-appointed seat trimming.
Like some of the other elements in the cabin, spacing isn’t the best in the class, but it does well in this category, too. Front passengers have 41.20 inches of leg room and 62.23 inches of shoulder room. Second-row passengers are allotted 38.30 inches of leg room and 61.64 inches of shoulder room. Finally, those in the third row receive 33.50 inches of leg room and 57.30 inches of shoulder room.
Cargo measures 23.60 cu-ft of space if all seats are up and in place. Folding the third-row seats increases that space to 57.70 cu-ft. Eliminating the second row garners additional space, maxing out at 97.40 cu-ft of total cargo room. The second and third rows both fold in a 60/40 split.
Entertainment & Technology
For people considering purchasing the 2023 Buick Enclave, you won’t be asking for much more when it comes to infotainment. The tech-filled Enclave leaves passengers wanting little. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both work in the Enclave. In fact, both are available in a wireless form for compatible phones. Passengers in each section of the Enclave can set their preferred temperature with tri-zone automatic climate control.
Six USB ports can be found in the cabin with two up front, two in the second row, and two in the third row. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible phones. Wireless phone charging is also presented in every 2023 Enclave.
A screen on the dash measures 4.2 inches Some of the features that can be found in every Enclave include: a driver information center with a 4.2-inch diagonally measured screen, a touchscreen that measures 8.0 inches diagonally, keyless entry, a push-button start, a HD rearview camera, a six-speaker stereo system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety Features
Front pedestrian braking, front and rear park assist, forward collision alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are some of the many safety features included across the lineup. A rearview camera or surround-view camera is included, too, depending on the model. A head-up display and adaptive cruise control are added as you work your way up the trim levels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 Enclave an overall four-star rating.
2023 Buick Enclave Trims & Pricing
The 2023 Buick Enclave doesn’t involve trim after trim after trim after trim of options. There are only three trims here: the Essence, the Premium, and the Avenir. That’s all the 2023 Enclave needs because the base trim comes loaded with features. Those added to higher trims sprinkle in a bit more convenience and comfort.
Essence – $46,195
For a car that starts at close to $50,000, you expect even the most basic version to be fairly well-equipped. Thankfully, the 2023 Buick Enclave Essence is. Some of the features that can be found in every Enclave include: a driver information center with a 4.2-inch diagonally measured screen, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, a push-button start, a HD rearview camera, a six-speaker stereo system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Drivers and passengers can customize their comfort with a powered front passenger seat that has six adjustments and an eight-way driver seat. Both the front driver and passenger seats are heated. The driver also gets a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Perforated leather-appointed trim can be found on all the seats.
Included in the 2023 Enclave Essence are lane keep assist, lane change alert, and a rearview camera. A rear cross-traffic alert, front pedestrian braking, front and rear parking assist, and a forward collision alert are also part of the safety characteristics of this SUV.
Premium – $53,430
In the 2023 Buick Enclave Premium, you’ll find a driver information screen that measures eight inches diagonally instead of just 4.2 inches. Instead of just a rearview camera that is HD, the Premium has a HD surround vision camera. The Premium comes with navigation, too.
A head-up display may be the most exciting feature the driver gets to utilize, but passengers should appreciate heated second-row outboard seats. The driver’s seat has memory settings while a rear pedestrian alert is added for safety purposes. Folding the third-row bench gets a little easier in the Premium because this trim includes power folding.
Avenir – $58,865
The top trim here doesn’t add that much. It’s the trim you want to get if you need a sunroof. The Avenir does add adaptive cruise control as a standard feature, but it’s also available in lower trims as well if you’re willing to spend the money for it. One bonus is Ebony perforated leather-appointed seats, which don’t come standard on the Avenir but are available to add on.
Warranties
Two warranties are associated with the 2023 Buick Enclave. A limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles. There’s a powertrain warranty that covers six years or 70,000 miles. As a perk, Buick offers complimentary maintenance on the 2023 Buick Enclave for the first visit during the first year of ownership.
What we think
2023 Buick Enclave – buick.com | Shop 2023 Buick Enclave on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Buick Enclave, just like the 2022 Enclave, is still a good three-row, mid-size SUV. With looks, performance, and conveniences, the Enclave isn’t a bad option at all. It’ll get you a well-mannered drive with up-to-date technology and enough room for most, if not all, of your family. Pricing does sit around that $50,000 mark, but it does offer luxury at a cheaper price than some other competitors, especially if luxury is a focal point for you. If you want to put the Buick Enclave to the test against other SUVs in the class, check out our head-to-head comparison of the 2021 Ford Explorer vs Buick Enclave.
