2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Overview
As I look at the hierarchy of brands within General Motors (GM), Buick’s position looks a bit problematic in my subjective, humble opinion.
Since the financial crisis in 2008 when Buick barely survived, the competition in the growing SUV segment got more intense.
GM has a strong presence across the subsegments of the growing SUV market with Chevrolet, GMC, Buick and Cadillac. Chevrolet is the mainstream brand, and Cadillac represents the ultimate luxury. And the other two brands, GMC and Buick fill the gap between the two ends. Buick has a great history as a brand representing the luxury and comfort of the 20th century. The brand is not well known to the young generation. And Buick is a strong brand in China, the world’s biggest automotive market.
The problem with Buick in North America, its home market is; that it needs a deeper connection with and recognition by the younger generation. Buick made up only 8 percent of GM’s total sales in North America in 2021. We can say the picture is not much different in Canada.
Still, Buick has been producing very reliable cars and SUVs in the last couple of years and this quality is recognized by JD Power’s annual quality surveys.
2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Engine and Powertrain
Like its corporate siblings: The Chevrolet Traverse and the GMC Acadia, the Enclave is a midsize, 3-row SUV. The Enclave shares the same 310 horsepower 3.6-litre V6 engine mated to a 9-speed automatic. The engine provides smooth, comfortable driving which is powerful enough for this vehicle and weight category.
2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Interior
The Enclave has a spacious interior that can accommodate people comfortably also at the third row. And to me, this is the most important factor. On the second look, you notice that the interior is a bit outdated and the next generation should be on the horizon. The simply and functionally designed analog gauge cluster is less an issue than the small, 8-inch touchscreen. It really falls short of competitors such as Kia Telluride or Jeep Grand Cherokee which went largely digital. Our tester in the Essence trim lacked, for instance, a head-up display (although it is available on higher trim levels) and auto up/down windows for passengers except for the driver. Wireless connectivity of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a big plus.
Safety features such as automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beams elevate the Enclave to the class of technologically advanced vehicles. The rearview mirror can be converted into a rearview camera with a washer. This is a very convenient safety and comfort equipment that we see in all GM vehicles of the current generation. For example, it is very helpful when you have four passengers in the second and third row and the rearview is obstructed.
In a three-row SUV, as a family vehicle cargo space matters. When all three rows are used, the cargo volume is 688 litres and thus competitively large in its class. With the second and third rows folded flat, the capacity increases to 2764 litres. Considering also the 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, the utilitarian side of the Enclave is great.
2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Driving Impressions
Smoothness and comfort are two main factors that define our driving experience with the Enclave. The pothole-filled streets of Toronto were the first test ground for our three-row SUV. We did not notice much of it. And as we headed towards the south side of Lake Ontario, the effortless cruising on that QEW, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, was a pleasure. road noise is barely noticeable. And we have to give credit to good sound insulation with active noise cancellation.
After our one-week test drives more on the highway than in the city, we measured the average consumption as 11.5 litres which is reasonable for this class and for an AWD vehicle.
2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Pricing and Equipment
The Enclave, at the top of Buick’s model hierarchy, starts just north of 50K. Our tester with the Sport Touring Package has an MSRP of $58,500.
2022 Buick Enclave Essence AWD: Conclusion
2022 Buick Enclave is a wise choice if you shop for a midsize SUV/crossover and have a luxury vehicle in mind. It is more affordable than its European rivals. Babyboomers who are already familiar with Buick’s glorious past will probably at least short-list this vehicle among many choices. You do not have to be a babyboomer to appreciate the quality of this vehicle once you start driving it.
For more detailed information, please visit: http://www.buick.ca
