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2018 Enclave Gets Upgraded Suspension, But The 2018 Traverse Does Not

If you can’t make up your mind between Chevrolet’s 2018 Enclave or Buick’s 2018 Traverse platform mates, but want a full-size four-door crossover utility vehicle, then here’s one rather significant mechanical feature that might sway you: an upgraded suspension system that’s offered on the Buick, but not on the Chevy.

Continuous Damping Control

The upgraded suspension feature in question is none other than the continuous damping control, or CDC for short.

In case you missed our previous coverage of continuous damping control (CDC), here’s the lowdown: the computer-driven system delivers optimized ride comfort and handling capabilities by adjusting the suspension system to varying road surfaces and profiles every two milliseconds. Sometimes referred to as Continuously Variable Real Time Damping, CDC is typically assigned RPO code F45, which is also the case on the 2018 Enclave.

CDC can be thought of as a “light” version of GM’s critically-acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology. Though both are active suspension technologies, they are not the same, with MRC utilizing more advanced shocks filled with magnetorheological fluid.

ZF Continuous Damping Control - CDC actuators sensors and hardware

Availability

On the 2018 Enclave, Continuous Damping Control is available only on the range-topping Enclave Avenir. On that trim, it is offered exclusively on the optional Avenir Premium Suspension Package (RPO code CWM) that includes CDC shocks and a revised steering calibration, and that trim level is of the Avenir Technology Package (KSG) that includes:

  • Adaptive full-speed cruise control with Stop/Go
  • Forward Automatic Braking
  • Front active grille shutters
  • Premium Suspension Package

By comparison, the 2018 Traverse doesn’t offer Continuous Damping Control on any model, trim level, or package.

2018 Buick Enclave Avenir first drive in Tennessee - exterior - 009

The difference is noteworthy, since the Enclave’s availability of Continuous Damping Control is one of the ways GM chose to differentiate the crossovers mechanically, as both models ride on the same long-wheelbase C1 platform.

2018 Buick Enclave Avenir Details

The Avenir trim level is Buick’s new flagship trim level. On the 2018 Enclave, it includes:

  • Unique upper and lower grilles
  • Avenir badging for wheels and front door
  • Unique Chestnut/Ebony or Ebony interior color
  • Avenir embroidered head rests and floor mats
  • Bold script sill plates for all four doors
  • Premium film decor accents
  • Wood steering wheel
  • Buick Infotainment with Navigation
  • Wireless charging
  • Power dual-moonroof with fixed rear skylight
  • 8″ reconfigurable DIC (driver information center)
  • Surround Vision with full display inside rearview camera mirror

The Enclave Avenir is only available in five exterior colors:

  • White Frost Tricoat
  • Satin Steel Metallic
  • Pepperdust
  • Dark Slate Metallic
  • Ebony Twilight Metallic

2018 Buick Enclave Avenir first drive in Tennessee - exterior - 007

Pricing

The MSRP for the 2018 Enclave Avenir is $54,390 for the front-wheel drive model and $56,690 for the all-wheel drive model. The Avenir Technology Package is an additional $2,095. In comparison, pricing for the top-of-the-line 2018 Traverse High Country starts at $53,595, with the model including all-wheel drive as standard.

That means the difference in price between the 2018 Enclave Avenir with all-wheel drive and variable real damping versus a 2018 Traverse High Country is $5,190. It’s worth mentioning that both models are powered by the 3.6-liter LFY V6 engine mated to the new GM 9-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Chevrolet Traverse RS exterior 001 front

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Comments

  1. Good. I hate to see Buick’s prices trending upwards, but they need to be more than slightly nicer Chevys if they’re going to survive.

    When your most desirable product is a minivan with rear doors that swing instead of slide, you know you’ve been coasting.

    Reply
    1. Well, it’s good from a differentiation standpoint… but the differentiation seems very artificial – as is almost always the case for Chevy and Buick/GMC.

      By doing things like this, GM is giving Buick/GMC the goods – which is great, but is at the same time telling the world that Chevy isn’t good enough to have the best. This can be seen here, it can be seen on the Silverado-Sierra, on the Malibu-Regal and on the Impala-LaCrosse.

      There are those who are willing to pay top dollar for a Chevy, and get the best features along with it. GM does not offer that option currently. The artificial distinction is hurting Chevrolet product and image in the long run.

      The way it should be is that Chevy gets all the goods, but Buick/GMC take that even further by offering significantly better vehicles and appealing to entirely different demographics. This is currently not the case.

      Reply
    2. According to Chevy new roads magazine, High Country version will be getting it in 2019.

      Reply
      1. Reply
  2. If GM shares the same platform within brands then they should have the same options. It would help save money by spreading the cost.

    Reply
    1. If the Chevy and Buick had the same options, why would you pay $20K more for the Buick?

      Reply
      1. I would give you a +2 sense if I could. Thanks for the post.

        Reply
  3. I mean, it makes sense. But one might think that perhaps it should be offered on the High Country, which is roughly similar in price to the Buick.

    Reply
  4. GMC has offered this suspension for the last three years. If you look at inventories it is rare to find one on the lot.

    The reality is it is a $1200 option and most customers are not so into their SUV to even worry about it as the base suspension is very good to start with.

    I was lucky and bought the only CDC I was able to find and drive. I drove them back to back and it is a better suspension but the average buyer will often opt for the cheaper model.

    The way this should be done is Buick gets this standard on the Avenir, The Acadia gets it as an add on option on the SLT and Denali. The Chevy is the value leader so it gets nothing.

    Chevy is not the be all to everything. If GM only had Chevy and Cadillac then yes they can be the be all to everyone but when you are supporting two other brands and two other very profitable models you need to give people a reason to choose them over the cheaper model.

    Alex so the new truck system is the same type system as my Denali after all. They just tune it for each vehicle.

    I assume these are all ZF derived systems.

    It would be nice if some publication would ask to confirm this as it would tie up many lose ends.

    Reply
  5. The Avenir trim has had CDC since its inception according to the literature I read when it came out, so unless there was a running change that dropped it before full production, this in old news.

    Reply
    1. Nothing has changed. We are simply pointing out the differences between two vehicles that share the same platform…

      Reply

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