Yes, it has indeed been 10 years since the first-generation Buick Enclave debuted. But, here we are in 2017 with a brand spanking new, 2018 Buick Enclave. And it wouldn’t be a new vehicle debut without a Hot or Not poll.
The 2018 Enclave says goodbye to its more rounded rear-end and trades it in for a more sculpted, flowing look. It’s certainly not as rugged as the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse‘s transformation, but then again, Buick is supposed to be a little softer around the edges.
The front fascia takes the latest Buick show car style and infuses it with production cues found in the latest LaCrosse and Regal. It’s actually pretty incredible how similar the Enclave’s front clip looks to the Avista concept’s handsome face, and the Avenir trim only adds dashes of elegance inside and out.
The side profile showcases some excellent lines before leading out back to the Enclave’s tightened up rump. Though we have been divided on the rear, though. Some staff quite like the new look, others have said it looks a tad frowny from certain angles.
There’s really no losing here. The outgoing Enclave looks old because it is old. The new Enclave is clear step in the right direction for Buick design and it should have no issues finding its place in driveways across North America. But, you have the final say. Vote in our poll down below and talk to us in the comment section if you feel compelled to do so.
Comments
Yeah! New Traverse!
Good looking car. Can’t say that any CUV is hot. The unfortunate thing about the CUV market is they all are starting to look too much alike.
Well said, MRB!
Nice job by GM moving there vehicle around to make them compete in different markets , GMC Acadia,Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave are now targeting other vehicle and not themselves.
The Buick brand is again in a resurgence mode. Back in the 1946 to ’48 days just after WW 2, Buick offered a vehicle that was a leader in design, quality, technical innovation and competitiveness. It followed through in the late ’50s with a strong presence. Then it faltered. A small, positive spark emerged with their Rendevouz, Penning of the just eclipsed 2008 to 2017 Enclave on its Omega platform drew well deserved attention—and justifiably surging sales. For the newly released 2018 sleeker, upgraded model ( Avenir ), Buick has declared that it is ready to take on well established Japanese and European brands in a “head-to-head” battle —building on its well deserved and hard won reputation of virtually trouble free ownership, quietness, class leading third row space, and electronic advancement. In my opinion—already an automatic WINNER
I think its a good looking car and certainly look like a Buick, personally I was hoping for a more European Design. I saw an Opel concept a while back and was hoping it would become the next Buick Enclave…Maybe next time.
I think it’s definitely good! My initial impression, however, upon seeing its side profile, is that it somehow reminded me of a mini van. But that’s not necessarily a negative thing. It is a good sized vehicle!
I think GM’s vehicles have been getting better and better over the past 10 years. The interior in the new Equinox in Premier guise is absolutely TOP QUALITY – front and back. I expect Buick’s Avenir brand will surpass it (how it’ll do that I don’t know, but if they do, it’ll be an absolute knock out!).
Avenir is fantastic and this makes regular Buick Enclave look frumpy. Buick needs to Aveair the entire line up
Wow!…is this where we’ve arrived when we evaluate how good a new model is?…useless third row seating? Time to start building minivans again if this is a priority for buyers.
It’s difficult to make a conclusion about the 2018 Buick Enclave without having seen the specifications of the vehicle; but if GM engineers worked the same magic as with the 2017 GMC Acadia where the new vehicle lost 700 lbs then the 2018 Buick Enclave is ready to compete with the best of the world.
The Motley Fool just did a test drive review of the Enclave in NYC, via the NY Auto show. It’s very positive and worth reading. It’s not a formal with numbers Magazine test, which we should see from Car and Driver later this year.
They did a great job with aero and styling. When you look at a side by side visual comparison of the old versus the new model, the creases and tightened roof lines give the Enclave/Avenir a much needed sportier look.
They did a very good job here.
It’s okay. I wish they didn’t listen to the younger crowd and omit the port holes, which were a nice distinctive touch that has now been lost. God forbid we have any heritage in the design. It now has a fake fender vent that could have come from a Kia!
And where is the torque GM? If they put this out with only 260 torque from the newest designed LGX 3.6 it will not only get lambasted from every source it will also make GM look very incompetent on the engineering front considering the old LLT 3.6 made 272 torque 8 years ago!!!!!!
Where can I find more information, more factual information on the 2018 Enclave. I have an Enclave and want to know about the size of the new 2018. Every dealer tells me something different. Is the inside room, Bigger, Smaller or the same.
Aviner should have the twin turbo v6, 50 grand plus and. 260 lbs tq, no power sunshades for sun roof no powr folding mirrors, no side door shades for the little ones ,no auto up/down on passenger window,etc .equal no sale ps. everything else looks great
Excellent work by everyone in designing a beautiful exterior and interior! The design is very upscale, luxurious, and rich in details and materials. This 2018 design is dramatically better than what it precedes it and gives the European and Japanese competitors much to worry about. I
wish as much thought went into the design of the Envision to capture the elements of the Avenir and Avista concepts and had a power train to at least match its competitors (can’t the new 9-speed AT be at least an option), but since it was aimed for the Chinese market and not the US market, I guess a business decision was made. At a top price of $50K, I ask myself over and over is it overpriced for what it is. I may be forced to the Regal Sportback although I’d much prefer a crossover and I was hoping the Envision would do that. And, if I really must, I guess I’ll just get an Equinox.
I love the new look inside and out but I wonder why GM didnt drastically improve fuel efficiency ?