The second generation Buick Enclave was launched for the 2018 model year, and updated for 2022. The Avenir is the loudest and most expensive of the 2022 Buick Enclave. At $56,295 (including the $1,195 destination fee), it’s $12,300 more than the base Essence trim, and $5,300 more than the premium version. Adding all-wheel drive increases that price to $58,495. While it remains our favorite luxury three-row pick, we can’t help but appreciate the styling, comfort and space of the 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir.
Regardless of trim level, the Enclave comes standard with front-wheel drive, and offers all-wheel drive as an option. Each Jeep has a 3.6L V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Although the Avenir weighs 4,469 pounds, which outweighs the Premium and Essence cabins by 71 and 110 pounds, respectively, it shares the same fuel economy ratings: 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway). ) FWD, and 20 combined (17 city, 25 highway) 4WD.
So, what does Avenir include? There are a few features standard on the Avenir that are also standard on the Premium model. This includes a Bose 10-speaker premium audio system, a head-up display, navigation, a surround-view parking camera, rear-camera washer, rear pedestrian alert, lumbar adjustments for driver and front passenger, ventilated front seats, and electric steering column Driver Memory Settings, Heated Outside Seats in the Second Row, Third Row 60/40 Fold, 8-inch Digital Display between the Instrument Cluster and Power Folding Side Mirrors with Auto Dimming for the Driver’s Side. Some features are standard on Avenir and optional on other models. Inside, the Avenir gets a standard electric sunroof with a fixed rear skylight. Adaptive cruise control comes standard, as does automatic emergency braking. It also has a 120-volt outlet at the rear of the center console.
But Avenir has some exclusive features that make it stand out from the rest. It has nicer inlays and quilted leather upholstery making it feel more upscale than the rest of the collection. The Avenir is the only trim with its rain-sensing windshield wipers, and stitching for first-row mats (a must-have feature, we know). You get standard 20-inch aluminum wheels with an Avenir Pearl Nickel finish. 20-inch wheels are available as an option on other models, but are limited to brushed aluminum or chrome finishes. It also has its own unique mesh network. Also available as a $1,595 option on the Avenir, but not on other models, is the Avenir Technology Package. This includes a premium suspension package with hydraulic dampers that adapt to road conditions every 2 milliseconds, recalibrated steering and an Avenir-specific headlight design.
While the exterior of the Enclave is somewhat generic, the interior of the Avenir is at least home to a more impressive design. The leather is attractive, especially with the quilting embroidery and headrest. The seating surfaces are soft and smooth, but the front seats are supportive, making it a comfortable place to spend time. Wood trim in elegant Avenir, with a unique wavy texture. I enjoy the heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, power-adjustable front driver’s seat with memory, steering column and side mirrors. I’ve also grown to love the digital rearview mirror, which provides a clear camera feed from the rear even when passengers and cargo block your view from the rear window.
The second-row captain’s seats offer plenty of personal space for passengers, even if the seats themselves aren’t as supportive and comfortable as the front seats. The second row gets its own climate controls and a three-prong 120-volt outlet at the rear of the center console. Glass top panels help bring in some much-needed light into the back rows. The third row is clearly not comfortable, with flat seat cushions and a lack of legroom, but it doesn’t affect the luggage space. That volume behind the third row is impressively generous, and it expands to accommodate more at the bottom with the load floor removed at the bumper level. The 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space expands to 57.7 cubic feet with the third row down, and to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded.
While the Avenir’s interior is spacious, comfortable and certainly more upscale than other Enclaves, there are still a few things holding it back compared to the (more expensive) luxury SUV range. Things like interior plastics and universal switches from General Motors Parts lower the overall feel of the high-quality interior décor. The infotainment screen, while working well, is on the small side of an expensive car, and looks as if it was plucked straight from a lower GM product. In addition, everything looks a bit outdated. In a sector where new, stylish and high-tech competitors continue to advance, Buick hasn’t changed much in the past five years. Its light 2022 update does little to move the Enclave forward, and the interior was essentially ignored during the update.
But if you like the overall design, and these small details do not bother you, then you may be very pleased with the Enclave Avenir. It’s not an SUV, but it doesn’t try to be. The Avenir Hotel indulges occupants with a sense of style and plenty of space, in fact offering a great price compared to some of the other luxury competitions. Some of the top trims of non-luxury brands, such as the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, offer similar levels of style and better technology for less. However, if your biggest concern is comfort and roominess, the Enclave Avenir has an ample stock of both at a reasonable price.
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