Choosing a new vehicle always involves a balance. How much are you willing to pay? Which ratings are most important? And how can you get all the features you want? If you’re looking for a large luxury SUV, one of the most affordable options today is also one of the best, Consumer Reports says. Here’s a look at the 2021 Buick Enclave.

The 2021 Buick Enclave is among the best midsize luxury SUVs

Of the six large luxury SUVs that Consumer Reports tested, the 2021 Buick Enclave ranks second on the list. With an overall score of 76, it comes in just behind the 2021 BMW X7, which has an overall score of 82. In third is the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, with an overall score of 74.

Consumer Reports also rated the Enclave well in road tests, giving it an 87. The BMW X7 again comes in first, with a road test score of 94. In third is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, with a road test score of 86. However, the GLS scored a meager 46 overall, mainly due to low predicted reliability.

The Enclave is also one of the most affordable large luxury SUVs

Consumer Reports also looked at nine large luxury SUVs’ prices, and the 2021 Buick Enclave is the most affordable. Its starting price ranges from $40,000 to $56,000. That certainly beats the next lowest price on the 2021 Infiniti QX80, whose starting MSRPs range from $69,050 to $83,300.

The Enclave is a bargain compared to some of the other options. Starting prices for large luxury SUVs on Consumer Reports’ list climb to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS (starting from $76,000 to $160,500) and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (starting from $131,750 to $156,450).

A look at the 2021 Buick Enclave

The high-scoring, low-priced 2021 Buick Enclave has a lot to offer.

Consumer Reports likes that it provides a comfortable ride with nice handling and a “smooth, lively powertrain.” It also has a quiet, roomy cabin, and its third row is even “livable” for adults. Stitched leather adds an upscale feel. However, at the Enclave’s price, the sunroof sunshade shouldn’t be manual, and the front seats should have more than two-way lumbar adjustments. There’s also has an “easy-to-use” infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system includes an eight-inch touchscreen, although it’s located a bit far from the driver.

The 2021 Buick Enclave comes with a 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6 engine matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Both run smoothly, but the Enclave’s 18 mpg overall fuel efficiency is lower than some of its competitors. The Enclave comes in front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available. This sizable SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but it isn’t meant for off-road driving. Going from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, the Enclave is one of the fastest three-row SUVs.

Consumer Reports also points out that the Enclave doesn’t have a very intuitive gear shifter, making parking confusing. It offers standard advanced safety features but mainly on the top two trim levels. The base Preferred trim doesn’t offer advanced safety features, but the second-level Essence trim provides blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. The Premium trim provides forward collision warning and makes low-speed and high-speed automatic emergency braking available. Adaptive cruise control and all-speed automatic emergency braking are available on the Avenir trim. 

Consumer Reports holds out the 2021 Buick Enclave as one of the best large luxury SUVs available. Its good ratings and affordable price make it a strong option.