At a Glance:
MSRP: From $42,800
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- Horsepower: 310 hp
- Cargo volume: 23.6 ft³, 97.4 ft³ with seat area
- Seating capacity: 7
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 26 highway
- Engine: 3.6 L V6
The Enclave has always inhabited the space somewhere between economy and luxury SUVs, which gives it the unpleasant chore of competing with both. In 2022, Buick fortifies the Enclave, ditching the old base level “Preferred” trim and adding safety, design, and tech features that help it fend off hungry adversaries in both categories.
Interior
Like previous model years, the Enclave is generous with interior space and features 3 rows with ample leg and head room. The cabin is silent and cozy, and we applaud Buick for improving the overall fit and finish. While Enclave, aside from the luxury Avenir trim, still struggles to compete with luxury brands, it does improve in 2022. Some updates, such as a modified center console that accommodates new push button shifting, are well-conceived and executed.
Other notable standard interior features include heated driver and passenger seats, heated steering wheel, perforated leather-appointed seat trim, rear climate control, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Exterior
New front and rear end bumper design represent a minor improvement in exterior looks and the Enclave remains modestly handsome. Not a stunner by any means, but it does at least aspire to luxury in its appearance, especially when seated next to competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 or Subaru Ascent.
Features
A welcome new trend from Buick parent General Motors is including advanced safety features as standard on certain car models. All 2022 Enclaves get a suite of features in the Buick “Driver Confidence Plus” package that include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Park Assist
Also new this year are standard wireless Android/Apple systems.
The Enclave is available in three trim options: Essence; Premium; Avenir. New this year for all models is standard wireless Android/Apple systems, as well as legacy features such as hands free power liftgate, and rear covered cargo area. At the Premium trim, drivers will also enjoy a Bose premium sound system, color head up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, and HD surround vision and rear camera monitor. The Enclave Avenir gets many cosmetic upgrades that improve its appearance, but it also bundles features such as rainsense wipers.
Power & Handling
All trim variations of the 2022 Buick Enclave run a 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing that offers 310 horsepower. While mileage is sub par, the engine is plenty energetic for regular driving whether you’re carrying teenagers or trailers. Acceleration, braking, and cornering are all noticeably superior to non-luxury vehicles in its class. All trims offer an all-wheel drive option, which we recommend depending on your location and needs.
When it comes to handling, the Enclave ride is remarkably comfortable and smooth. In some larger vehicles, this translates to a “looser” feel, but we find the Enclave to be responsive without jarring or surprising the driver.
Final Thought
The 2022 Buick Enclave may be stuck in the middle of the SUV spectrum, but this year’s updates help it, at the very least, maintain its position as economy models like the Kia Telluride continue to edge into the mid-luxury market.
Want to learn more about the 2022 Buick Enclave?
Contact local dealers to schedule a test drive.