The 2023 Buick Enclave is a midsize three-row crossover that competes in a segment packed with popular SUVs like the Acura MDX, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Buick’s entry offers a roomy interior for seven riders and cargo. It primarily competes in value, with a long list of standard features and a quiet, comfortable interior. But it comes across as a bit dated and lacks its rivals’ refinement. 

However, the Enclave’s strengths are enough to consider this premium SUV if you’re shopping for a midsize three-row crossover. In addition to offering plenty of value, this family hauler prioritizes rider comfort. Plus, the base price is considerably lower than most vehicles in its class, and even the fully loaded 2023 Buick Enclave price is thousands less than other midsize SUVs. 

How much is the Buick Enclave? 

The 2023 Enclave starts at $43,300 for the base Essence trim with front-wheel drive. Move up to the Premium for $50,300. And the range-topping Avenir trim starts at $55,600 and tops out at almost $60,000 for a fully loaded 2023 Buick Enclave.

But the Avenir might not be worth the extra spend. As the top-level spec, it lacks the luxury of other premium SUVs and doesn’t offer much more than the standard Essence. The base model boasts plenty of family-friendly features, including Wi-Fi, leather seats, and six USB ports. Skip the Sport Touring package, which adds 20-inch wheels, and you’ll get a more comfortable ride with 18-inch ones, U.S. News reports. Besides, if slalom performance is on your list, you’re probably looking at the wrong vehicle.  

The 2023 Buick Enclave offers smooth performance

This SUV offers only one powertrain: a 310-hp V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000 extra. According to U.S. News, the 2023 Buick Enclave provides adequate power for highway merging, and the transmission is smooth, with well-timed shifts. Fuel economy for all models is an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with all-wheel drive models getting 1 mpg less. 

The Enclave also offers a traditional Buick ride. It’s well-composed and ideal for quiet cruising. Steering is light but accurate, adding to the serene ride. Equipped with AWD, the Enclave handles poor weather conditions confidently but isn’t a serious off-roader. 

The 2023 Buick Enclave has a spacious interior

The Enclave’s interior is attractive and well-equipped but includes some rough edges and cheap materials, preventing it from making the grade in luxury. The infotainment system isn’t the newest, but it works well enough. Its touchscreen is responsive with an intuitive menu layout and, unlike many newer infotainment systems, includes physical buttons to control various functions.  

Higher trim levels add a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system, tri-zone climate control, proximity keyless entry with push-button and remote start, and a 120-volt power outlet. Options include a panoramic moonroof and digital gauge cluster.  

The Enclave’s ace is its cargo space. It provides 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row. That grows to 57.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down and almost doubles again to 97.4 cubic feet with the middle row folded.  

Is the 2023 Buick enclave a good SUV? 

If space and comfort are musts, the 2023 Buick Enclave has you covered. As an SUV, it gets many things right, with adequate power, decent road manners, and great comfort. Although the interior lacks competitors’ opulence, it’s a well-rounded vehicle.

However, as a luxury SUV, it falls short in several areas. Notably, it lacks the performance and features of vehicles like the Acura MDX and Kia Telluride. The interior is slightly rough around the edges, with some hard plastics and an aging infotainment system. 

But as a family hauler, the 2023 Enclave gets the job done better than anything short of a minivan. All three rows offer enough room for adults, and there’s plenty of cargo space for road trips. And if you need decent towing capacity, the Enclave obliges with a rating of up to 5,000 pounds.