2024 Buick Enclave Review: A Luxury Family SUV
Searchshop Staff Writers
Searchshop Staff Writers

2024 Buick Enclave Review: A Luxury Family SUV

December 12, 2024

The search for a family SUV that balances luxury with practicality can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. My two weeks with the 2024 Buick Enclave showed that this vehicle might be the sweet spot many families seek. The combination of upscale amenities and family-friendly features in this three-row SUV quickly caught my attention. 

My extensive testing of the 2024 Buick Enclave covered everything from its refined interior to its capable performance. This latest Enclave has a few quirks, but it proves that Buick understands what modern families want in a premium SUV. Let's take a closer look at what makes this vehicle stand out in the increasingly competitive luxury SUV segment. 


LUXURY FEATURES AND PREMIUM DESIGN

The 2024 Buick Enclave catches your eye with its commanding presence. Chrome accents flow along its elegant contours, and the signature grille makes a bold statement. The optional 20-inch alloy wheels give this SUV an extra touch of luxury. 

This Enclave stands out with its peaceful cabin experience. QuietTuning™ technology and active noise cancelation work together to create a remarkably quiet interior. Standard perforated leather seating adds to the premium feel and makes every drive more enjoyable. 

The interior shows Buick's dedication to comfort. Some hard-plastic surfaces take away from the premium atmosphere. The standard features make up for this with heated front seats and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. The available ventilated front seats with massage function turned my long drives into a relaxing experience. 

Technology is where the Enclave really shines. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the center, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The feature list impressed me: 

- Wireless phone charging 

- Head-up display with crisp graphics 

- Premium Bose® audio system with ten speakers 

- Built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capability


The height-programmable hands-free power liftgate made loading cargo a breeze during my tests. Storage space is generous - 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row expands to 97.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. 

The 2024 Buick Enclave's technology combines smoothly with daily life. Quick responses and sharp graphics on the infotainment system create an experience that feels both premium and practical - perfect for its luxury SUV category. 


FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUNCTIONALITY

My recent test drive of the 2024 Buick Enclave revealed its excellent family-friendly features. The thoughtful design stands out and meets what modern families need. Let me share my experience with its practical features. 


Three-Row Seating Configuration 

The Enclave's seating arrangement offers real adult-sized space across all rows. The driver's position feels comfortable with 42.6 inches of front headroom and 41.2 inches of legroom [4]. Second-row captain's chairs provide 38.3 inches of legroom. The third row stands out in its class with 33.5 inches of space that adults can use comfortably. 


Cargo Space and Storage Solutions 

The 2024 Buick Enclave shines with its cargo flexibility. The space behind the third row measures 23.6 cubic feet - enough room for weekly groceries. You get 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down. The space expands to 97.4 cubic feet when both rear rows are down. A hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor keeps valuables secure and out of sight. 


Safety Features for Families 

The Enclave's complete safety package makes family trips worry-free. Key safety features include: 

- Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking 

- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning 

- Blind-spot monitoring with lane change alert 

- Teen Driver technology with customizable settings 

- Front and rear parking sensors


The Safety Alert Seat adds a smart touch by giving haptic feedback when it detects potential hazards. Families with young children benefit from the standard rear-seat reminder system that provides extra safety. 


PERFORMANCE AND DRIVING EXPERIENCE

My extensive road testing of the 2024 Buick Enclave left me genuinely surprised by its performance capabilities. The vehicle's powertrain exceeded my expectations with its refinement and capability. Families looking for a perfect blend of comfort and power will find this an excellent choice. 


Engine Power and Efficiency 

The 3.6L V6 engine fits perfectly in this luxury SUV. It puts out a reliable 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission works smoothly - I barely noticed the gear changes during my daily drives. The Enclave's acceleration really stands out, as it reaches 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds. 

Fuel efficiency varies depending on your drivetrain choice: 

- Front-wheel drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined mpg 

- All-wheel drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg


Ride Comfort and Handling 

The 2024 Buick Enclave's ride quality makes it unique. The QuietTuning system combines active noise cancelation with laminated acoustic glass. This creates an incredibly quiet cabin environment. The steering responds precisely, though it feels a bit heavy when taking tight corners. 


All-Weather Capability 

The Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system adapts quickly to maintain the best traction in tough conditions. The 7.5-inch ground clearance and advanced traction management system let me drive confidently in different weather conditions. The Enclave can pull up to 5,000 pounds, which means you can easily take your boat or camper along for weekend trips. 


VALUE PROPOSITION AND PRICING

The financial aspects of the 2024 Buick Enclave caught my attention with its market positioning. Let me share what I found about its value proposition. 



Trim Levels and Package Options 

The 2024 Buick Enclave's lineup begins with the Essence trim at $45,295, moves up to the Premium at $52,595, and reaches its peak with the Avenir at $58,895. Any trim level needs an extra $2,000 investment for all-wheel drive. The Premium trim stands out as the best value option and adds these key features: 

- Ventilated front seats with massage function 

- 10-speaker Bose premium sound system 

- Head-up display with enhanced visibility 

- Digital rearview mirror


Cost Comparison with Competitors 

The Enclave sits strategically between mainstream and luxury segments. It costs more than non-luxury alternatives like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander but remains nowhere near as expensive as premium European offerings like the BMW X7 and Audi Q7. The current Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price suggests buyers can save $3,851 to $4,683 off MSRP, depending on trim level. 


Maintenance and Ownership Costs 

The average annual maintenance cost runs about $720, which exceeds the segment average slightly. Buick's complete warranty coverage balances this cost with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The five-year total ownership cost, including depreciation, maintenance, and fuel, averages $64,258. This price point makes sense given the vehicle's premium positioning and feature set. 


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CONCLUSION

After spending two weeks with the 2024 Buick Enclave, I discovered a luxury SUV that perfectly balances premium features with family-friendly practicality. QuietTuning technology, generous three-row seating, and smooth V6 performance make this vehicle a standout in its class. 

The Enclave sits at a sweet spot between mainstream and luxury SUVs, especially when you have budget considerations. Despite some interior materials needing upgrades, this SUV packs impressive standard features and delivers a comfortable ride that justifies its premium status. The Premium trim package delivers the best combination of luxury features and value. 

My thorough road testing shows that the 2024 Buick Enclave is a fantastic option for families who want upscale comfort without paying European luxury brand prices. This SUV combines smart technology, comprehensive safety features, and real three-row space to create an experience that feels both practical and luxurious. 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Is the 2024 Buick Enclave suitable for families?

Yes, the 2024 Buick Enclave is an excellent choice for families. It offers spacious three-row seating, ample cargo space, and a range of family-friendly features including advanced safety technologies and comfortable ride quality.


2. How does the 2024 Buick Enclave compare to its competitors?

The 2024 Buick Enclave positions itself between mainstream and luxury SUVs, offering premium features at a more competitive price point than European luxury brands. It competes with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ford Explorer, and Mazda CX-90 in the three-row SUV segment. 


3. What are the standout features of the 2024 Buick Enclave?

Key features include QuietTuning technology for a serene cabin, a powerful 3.6L V6 engine, spacious seating for adults in all three rows, and advanced tech like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 


4. How much cargo space does the 2024 Buick Enclave offer?

The 2024 Buick Enclave provides versatile cargo options with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down. 


5. What is the fuel efficiency of the 2024 Buick Enclave?

The 2024 Buick Enclave's fuel efficiency varies based on the drivetrain. The front-wheel drive model achieves 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the all-wheel drive version gets 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. 


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