Hey guys, let's dive into the much-anticipated 2024 Buick Enclave review! If you're on the hunt for a new family SUV that blends luxury, space, and a seriously smooth ride, you've probably stumbled across the Enclave. And for good reason! Buick has been working hard to make this three-row SUV a real contender, and from what we're seeing, they've nailed it. We're talking about a vehicle that's not just about getting from point A to point B, but doing it in style and comfort, making those long road trips or daily school runs feel like a breeze. This review is going to break down all the nitty-gritty details, from its updated looks to what's under the hood and how it actually feels to drive. So buckle up, because we’re about to explore everything the 2024 Buick Enclave has to offer, and whether it's the right fit for your crew.

Exterior and Interior Design: A Touch of Elegance

When you first lay eyes on the 2024 Buick Enclave, you'll notice a refreshed exterior that definitely ups the ante in the style department. Buick has given it a more modern and sophisticated look, moving away from some of the more rounded edges of previous models. We're talking about a bolder grille, sleeker headlights that give it a more determined stance, and updated body lines that make it look more athletic and premium. It’s the kind of SUV that turns heads in the grocery store parking lot, but in a classy, understated way. The overall design emphasizes its size and capability, making it clear that this is a vehicle built for comfort and presence on the road. It's not overly aggressive, but it has a confident, refined aura.

But let's be honest, the real magic happens when you step inside. The interior of the 2024 Buick Enclave is where it truly shines, especially if you're looking for a premium experience without the jaw-dropping price tag of some European luxury brands. Buick has always been about comfort, and the Enclave delivers in spades. The materials used are top-notch – think soft-touch plastics, elegant wood or metallic accents (depending on the trim), and comfortable, supportive seating. The cabin feels spacious and airy, which is crucial for a three-row SUV. The first and second rows offer ample legroom and headroom, ensuring even your taller passengers will be comfortable on longer journeys. And the third row? Well, it's surprisingly accommodating for an SUV in this class, making it genuinely usable for kids or even shorter adults for shorter trips.

What really sets the Enclave apart is the quietness of the cabin. Buick’s QuietTuning technology is genuinely impressive, actively silencing road noise, wind noise, and engine sounds. It creates a serene sanctuary, perfect for conversations, listening to music, or just enjoying a moment of peace while stuck in traffic. The infotainment system is also a highlight. The large touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration standard. Plus, there are plenty of physical buttons for essential functions, which many drivers still appreciate. The layout is logical, and everything is within easy reach. For those who need space for their gear, the cargo area is generous, with plenty of room behind the third row for groceries and essentials. Fold down the second and third rows, and you’ve got a cavernous space that can handle everything from large shopping hauls to sports equipment for the whole family. Storage cubbies and cup holders are plentiful throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone has a place for their drinks and gadgets. It’s clear that Buick designed this interior with the needs of families and busy individuals in mind, focusing on practicality, comfort, and a touch of everyday luxury.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the 2024 Buick Enclave is powered by a robust 3.6-liter V6 engine. Now, I know some might wish for a turbocharged option or even a hybrid, but this V6 is no slouch. It churns out a healthy 310 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to get this large SUV moving with confidence. Whether you're merging onto the highway, tackling a steep incline, or just need to overtake a slower vehicle, the Enclave has the power to do it smoothly and without feeling strained. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and it’s a good match. The shifts are generally smooth and well-timed, contributing to that overall relaxed and refined driving experience Buick is known for.

What really defines the driving experience of the 2024 Buick Enclave is its ride quality. This is where Buick truly excels. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps, potholes, and road imperfections with impressive ease. You’ll feel like you’re gliding over the road rather than bouncing around. This makes it an incredibly comfortable vehicle for long road trips, reducing driver fatigue and keeping passengers happy. Even on rougher roads, the cabin remains remarkably stable and composed. It’s a testament to Buick’s engineering and their focus on creating a serene environment.

Handling is also surprisingly competent for a vehicle of this size. While it’s not going to feel like a sporty sedan, the Enclave offers a confident and predictable feel when cornering. The steering is light and responsive enough for easy maneuvering in parking lots and city streets, but it firms up nicely at higher speeds, providing good stability. The available all-wheel-drive system adds an extra layer of confidence, especially if you live in an area with inclement weather. It enhances traction and stability, making the Enclave feel secure on wet or slippery surfaces. The braking system is strong and progressive, providing ample stopping power when needed.

Fuel economy is respectable for a three-row V6 SUV. While it's not going to win any awards for its MPG, it's competitive within its segment. You can expect around 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model, with the all-wheel-drive dropping slightly. These figures are perfectly acceptable for a vehicle that prioritizes space, comfort, and power for hauling a family and their gear. Overall, the performance of the 2024 Buick Enclave is characterized by its smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride, with more than enough power for everyday driving and road trips. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes refinement and ease of driving above all else, making it a fantastic choice for families who value a relaxed journey.

Technology and Safety Features: Smart and Secure

When it comes to the 2024 Buick Enclave, technology and safety are not afterthoughts; they're integral to the driving experience. Buick has packed this SUV with a user-friendly infotainment system and a suite of advanced driver-assistance features designed to make your life easier and keep you and your loved ones safe. The centerpiece of the tech offering is the standard 8-inch diagonal GMC Infotainment System with a color touchscreen. While some competitors might offer larger screens as standard, the Enclave’s system is remarkably intuitive and easy to navigate. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, which is a huge convenience. No more fumbling with cords – just hop in, and your phone’s familiar interface seamlessly appears on the screen, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation.

Beyond the core infotainment, the Enclave offers other tech goodies that enhance the ownership experience. There are multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged. A Wi-Fi hotspot is available, which can be a lifesaver for keeping kids entertained on long trips or for those who need to stay connected for work. For audiophiles, an available Bose premium audio system delivers crisp, clear sound, transforming the cabin into a personal concert hall. Higher trim levels might offer additional features like a head-up display, which projects important driving information onto the windshield, and a surround-view camera system, which is incredibly helpful for parking and low-speed maneuvers.

Safety is paramount, especially in a family vehicle, and the 2024 Buick Enclave comes standard with a comprehensive list of safety features. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and a following distance indicator. These systems work together to help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. Automatic emergency braking, for instance, can apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision and you don't react. Lane-keep assist gently steers you back into your lane if you start drifting unintentionally. The standard rear vision camera is a given, but available upgrades include things like rear cross-traffic alert and side blind zone alert, which are incredibly useful when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.

Buick has also equipped the Enclave with its Teen Driver system, a feature that allows parents to set certain parameters for their young drivers, such as speed limits and audio volume limits, and provides a report card on their driving habits. This is a fantastic tool for encouraging safe driving practices. Furthermore, the Enclave is built with a strong structure, utilizing high-strength steel to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The availability of multiple airbags throughout the cabin adds another layer of passive safety. In essence, the 2024 Buick Enclave doesn't just offer a comfortable ride; it offers peace of mind, thanks to its well-integrated technology and robust suite of safety features that aim to protect everyone on board. It’s a smart choice for the safety-conscious family.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Options for Every Budget

When you're looking at the 2024 Buick Enclave, one of the key things to consider is which trim level best suits your needs and budget. Buick typically offers the Enclave in a few distinct trims, each building upon the last with more features and luxury appointments. While specific pricing and packaging can vary slightly by region and model year updates, the general structure usually includes an entry-level, a mid-tier, and a top-tier option. This allows buyers to tailor their Enclave experience, from a well-equipped but more affordable starting point to a fully loaded, premium offering.

Generally, you'll find the Essence trim as the starting point. Even at this base level, the Enclave is far from spartan. It typically comes standard with many of the features we've already discussed, like the 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a suite of advanced safety features (like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist), comfortable seating for seven, and impressive cargo space. The Essence trim often includes features like leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate, making it a very compelling option for families who want a premium feel without breaking the bank. It offers a great balance of luxury, technology, and practicality.

Stepping up, you'll often find the Premium trim. This level adds a significant number of comfort and convenience features. Expect things like heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable steering column, and an upgraded Bose audio system. Higher trim levels also typically gain access to more advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and perhaps even a head-up display. The Premium trim really elevates the passenger experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and convenience for everyone on board, especially on longer journeys. It adds those little touches that make a big difference in daily use.

At the top of the lineup, you might see a Avenir trim. This is Buick’s sub-brand that signifies the highest level of luxury and refinement. The Avenir trim takes everything from the lower trims and adds even more exclusive features. This can include unique interior and exterior styling elements, premium leather upholstery with special stitching, a panoramic moonroof, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, and perhaps even adaptive suspension for an even smoother ride. The Avenir is designed to compete directly with luxury SUVs from other brands, offering a top-tier experience for those who want the absolute best Buick has to offer. It’s a statement of sophistication and comfort.

Pricing for the 2024 Buick Enclave will naturally vary across these trims and with the addition of optional packages and all-wheel drive. The Essence trim will be the most accessible, starting in the mid-to-high $40,000 range. The Premium trim will likely add a few thousand dollars, bringing it into the $50,000s. The Avenir trim, with its extensive list of luxury features, will push into the $60,000 range. When considering the price, it’s important to look at what’s included in each trim and compare it to competitors. The Enclave often represents strong value in the premium three-row SUV segment, offering a substantial amount of luxury, space, and features for the money. It's always a good idea to check with your local dealer for the most accurate pricing and available options, as well as any current incentives or financing deals that might be running. Choosing the right trim is all about balancing your needs, desires, and budget to get the perfect Enclave for your family.

The Verdict: Is the 2024 Buick Enclave Right for You?

So, guys, after breaking down the 2024 Buick Enclave review, the big question is: who is this SUV for? In a nutshell, the 2024 Buick Enclave is an excellent choice for families who prioritize comfort, space, and a quiet, refined driving experience. If you're someone who frequently takes road trips, shuttles kids and their friends around, or just enjoys a smooth and serene commute, the Enclave really shines. Its comfortable seating for up to seven, generous cargo capacity, and the incredibly quiet cabin make it a fantastic mobile sanctuary. The smooth ride, courtesy of Buick's suspension tuning, means less fatigue for the driver and happier passengers, no matter the distance.

It's also a strong contender for those who appreciate a touch of luxury without the stratospheric price tag of a dedicated luxury brand. Buick has done a commendable job of infusing the Enclave with premium materials, thoughtful design, and a host of desirable features, especially in the higher trim levels. The technology suite is user-friendly and includes essential safety features as standard, offering peace of mind for family-oriented buyers. The V6 engine provides ample power for most situations, and while fuel economy isn't class-leading, it's competitive for its size and capability.

However, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a vehicle with sporty handling, a firm ride, or cutting-edge performance technology, you might want to look elsewhere. The Enclave prioritizes comfort over agility, and its V6, while capable, isn't going to thrill performance enthusiasts. Also, while the third row is more usable than in many competitors, it's still best suited for children or occasional use by adults on shorter trips. If you regularly need to carry adults in the third row for extended periods, you might find it a bit cramped.

When comparing it to rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, or Toyota Highlander, the Enclave often stands out for its quieter cabin and more upscale interior ambiance. While other SUVs might offer slightly better fuel economy or more dynamic driving characteristics, the Enclave hits a sweet spot for many families looking for a comfortable, spacious, and stylish three-row SUV. It offers a compelling blend of features, comfort, and value, especially when you consider the premium feel it delivers. Ultimately, the 2024 Buick Enclave is a solid, comfortable, and well-equipped family hauler that offers a quiet and refined experience, making it a very worthy contender in the crowded SUV market. Give it a test drive; you might just be surprised at how much you like it.