The 2024 Buick Enclave is big and comfy, and full of safety tech. We look at interior, trim levels and more in our review.
After a comprehensive overhaul in 2022, the 2024 Buick Enclave has no major changes over last year’s model that we review here. This is not surprising as GM has said there is an all-new third-generation Enclave due to arrive for the 2025 model year. The automaker is mum on powertrain details, but it’s possible we’ll see electrification considering GM’s stated objective of selling only EVs by 2035. While we wait for the next model, let’s take a look at the ins and outs of the latest 2024 Enclave.
2024 Buick Enclave – buick.com | Shop 2024 Buick Enclave on Carsforsale.com
A quiet cabin
Ample cargo space
Wireless smartphone mirroring
No Super Cruise
Thirsty V6
Small infotainment screen
Waiting on the 2025 model
Buick forgoes the trend of turbocharged four-cylinder engines with the 2024 Enclave. Instead, every model comes with Ol’ Reliable, otherwise known as the DOHC 3.6L V6 that has been on duty, with regular updates and improvements, at GM for two decades now. Making 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, it is plenty strong and well-suited to the Buick mission of whisper-quiet operation.
A 9-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels, or you can tack on AWD for an extra two grand to any of the three Enclave trim lines. Fuel economy is just okay at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway for FWD models, figures which both drop by 1 mpg when AWD is fitted. The 2024 Enclave can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but doing so requires the $650 trailering package that includes a trailer hitch, a heavy-duty engine cooling system, a tow mode for the transmission, and hitch guidance with hitch view that shows up on the infotainment screen.
Along with a quiet powertrain, Buick focuses engineering dollars on a quiet cabin with its standard QuietTuning suite of technologies. That includes acoustic laminated glass, triple door seals, a noise-reducing rear suspension, and Active Noise Cancellation. As for aesthetics and creature comforts, the Enclave delivers on par with its placement in the not-quite mainstream, not-quite luxury segment.
The dash consists of elegant flowing lines and heated seats are standard as is leather upholstery. But the sunroof shades are manually operated and the second-row captain’s chairs can only slide forward on the passenger side. These are subtle, but clear signs of “value engineering”. The third row can be split-folded in a 60/40 configuration – with power operation on Premium trim – to open up the Enclave’s impressive cargo capacity.
With the second and third rows folded down, that capacity balloons to 97.4 cubic feet, placing the Enclave about mid-pack amongst this list of big-time cargo haulers. With all seats upright, there are still 23.6 cubic feet of space out back and second-row passengers are treated to 38 inches of legroom. The third row, however, is best suited for kiddos as legroom measures just 33 inches.
Although it would be nice to see an optional larger screen, there’s no denying the standard level of technology found in the 2024 Enclave is solid. Highlights include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple and Android smartphone mirroring, a Wi-Fi hotspot, two USB ports for each row of seats, and a wireless charging pad. Premium models come with a Bose 10-speaker audio system, while base models make do with a 6-speaker system.
One of the big changes brought forth during the 2022 refresh, as we look at here, was a long list of standard advanced safety systems. Forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and automated high beams are found on every 2024 Enclave. And the NHTSA awarded this latest model its highest rating of 5 stars overall in crash testing.
The entry-level Enclave Essence loves the letter “E” and comes with 18-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, heated side mirrors, LED lights all around, and remote start capability. The leather-trimmed cabin boasts heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and triple-zone automatic climate control. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, 6 USB ports, and a wireless phone charging pad are also part of the deal.
Premium trim goes long on creature comforts by adding driver memory settings, massaging and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, heated second-row seats, and a power-folding third-row bench. The tech department is upgraded with a digital rearview mirror, a partially digital gauge cluster (that is weirdly analog on either side), a 10-speaker Bose stereo system, navigation, a surround-view monitor, and a head-up display.
The extra $6,000 for an Avenir is a bit of a head-scratcher as the big-ticket improvements over a Premium Enclave are the 20-inch rims, a special front grille, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power moonroof up front and a fixed skylight out back, and quilted leather upholstery. If you do go down Avenir Avenue, consult the latest new car incentives first.
Of the three 2024 Buick Enclave models, we recommend the base Essence model. For about $45,000, the Essence trim line brings the same infotainment setup as every other model and enough amenities to keep most people comfortable.
That being said, a top-spec Hyundai Palisade offers everything the Enclave does, and quite a bit more, for $7,500 less than an Avenir, so be sure to do your homework. Hyundai also handily bests Buick on warranty coverage with a 10-year/100,00-mile powertrain term to the 5 years or 60,000 miles for Buick. The Enclave’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage and single complimentary service visit are also behind what Hyundai offers.
2024 Buick Enclave – buick.com | Shop 2024 Buick Enclave on Carsforsale.com
There is nothing wrong with the 2024 Buick Enclave. It has a handsome front end, a comfy and quiet cabin, plenty of technology, and a solid array of advanced safety nets. But it also doesn’t jump out and scream “Buy me!”, which isn’t great considering how competitive the midsize 3-row SUV segment is.
On the whole, the 2024 Enclave feels like a forgotten placeholder as Buick puts the finishing touches on the incoming third-gen model. If you can wait till then, it’ll probably be worth it.
It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the $650 trailering package.
It is a good car with a reliable powertrain, a comfortable cabin, and a solid array of technology.
The Enclave starts at $45,295 for a base Essence but can crack $60,000 for a loaded Avenir model.