Is the 2023 Buick Enclave Avenir a Good SUV? 3 Pros, 4 Cons
An important measure of any three-row mid-size SUV is how much room it has for people and cargo. By that standard, the 2023 Buick Enclave hits the mark with its generous cargo area and loads of room for up to seven occupants in three rows of seating.
Related: 2023 Buick Enclave Avenir Review: Dated and Confused
Unfortunately for Buick, however, that’s about where the fun stops. Positioned as an upscale alternative to the likes of an Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 or Lexus RX, the Enclave is an older design that has grown long in the tooth and offers neither the driving dynamics, updated tech, or modern and upscale interiors of those worthy competitors.
Road Test Editor Brian Normile recently spent some time in a 2023 Enclave in the top Avenir trim. Like its two lower trims, power comes from a smooth and potent 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either standard front- or available all-wheel drive.
Normile was impressed by the Enclave’s spaciousness and cushy ride, but he didn’t find a whole lot more to justify the lofty price tag. Tap the link above for his expert review, or read on for three things we like about the 2023 Buick Enclave and four things we do not.
Things We Like
1. Room to Move
The first and second rows are quite spacious in the Enclave and offer plenty of leg-, head- and hip room. Even the third row is roomy enough for adults, although larger individuals might not enjoy the ride on longer trips. In our tested Avenir variant, the heated and cooled front seats were extra comfy and came with a massage function.
2. User-Friendly Tech
The Avenir’s multimedia system may not be the latest and greatest, but it is at least straightforward and easy to operate. The 8-inch dashboard touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and it’s paired with plenty of physical controls for audio and climate functions. There’s also a handy rearview camera mirror that helps you see what’s behind the SUV even when passengers and cargo are blocking the view.
3. Comfortable Cruiser
A suspension tuned more for comfort than handling results in a very absorbent ride, as might be expected in a Buick flagship. The optional adaptive suspension takes things up another notch or two, effectively isolating occupants from potholes and other road imperfections.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Maybe Too Soft
It’s safe to say that sharp handling probably isn’t a primary concern for most three-row SUV buyers, but it’s also a reasonable bet that a controlled and pleasant driving experience is — and that’s where the Enclave loses the bead. That soft suspension may be appealing to old-school Buick enthusiasts, but the Enclave tends to wallow and feel unstable in corners, particularly over rough surfaces.
2. Brakes and Transmission
The potent V-6 engine is hampered by a nine-speed automatic transmission that’s slow to respond and hesitant to downshift when immediate power is needed for passing maneuvers. Combined with a lack of brake pedal feel and response, this makes the heavy Enclave feel even bulkier and clumsier then it is. Its below-average EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined fuel economy is another demerit.
3. Interior Shortcomings
As noted above, the Enclave’s multimedia system works well, but its 8-inch touchscreen is small by current standards. Much of the interior seems dated, as well; the SUV’s cabin materials can’t match competing models and aren’t as nice as would be expected given our AWD Enclave Avenir’s price tag. There are lots of hard plastic surfaces, and the switches and controls lack a premium feel. A new-for-2022 shifter uses buttons that are awkward to use, and it doesn’t save any space compared to a conventional shifter, either.
4. Pricey People Mover
Our biggest gripe is that the Enclave Avenir just doesn’t deliver sufficient bang for the buck in a fiercely competitive category. Our test vehicle carried a sticker price of $62,090 (including destination), which is in line with the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Lexus RX. But all of those SUVs offer more nicely appointed interiors, newer tech, and a better balance of ride and handling.
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