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2018 Buick Enclave

After selling the first-generation model for eight years, Buick completely overhauls (redesigns and re-engineers) the Enclave full-size crossover for the 2018 model year, delivering the second generation of the Enclave nameplate.

The all-new Encalve is highlighted by a visually lower and slimmer body, more third-row space, improved towing capability, a thoughtful collection of safety technologies, useful interior features and premium materials.

“Enclave was introduced as a game-changer for the Buick brand and has since become one of our most successful and important vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “It set the tone for a more progressive Buick, helping change perception for us and serving as the standard-bearer of what our products stand for: smart, stylish luxury.”

2018 Buick Enclave Exterior 003

With proportions, bodylines and accents combining for a balanced, sculpted, athletic appearance that accentuates the redesigned front end and grille, the new Enclave delivers Buick’s latest design language to the full-size crossover.

The all-new model’s proportions give it a sleeker look, a more dynamic stance, and greater aerodynamic benefits for efficiency:

  • The roofline is lower
  • The windshield is sharper
  • The wheelbase is longer (while the turning circle is 1.4 feet tighter)

“Every detail of the all-new Enclave is designed to feel premium, well-crafted and integrated,” said Helen Emsley , executive director of Global Buick and GMC Design. “Customers in feedback clinics have described it as having a ‘sleek’ appearance, which isn’t typically a word associated with three-row SUVs.”

2018 Buick Enclave Avenir Exterior 005

At the front, the all-new Enclave delivers Buick’s front end design language, inspired by two concept cars — the Buick Avista concept  and the Buick Avenir concept . The side features a chrome-lined greenhouse outline and marked character line running the length of the doors. Though the outline is distinct, it does not connect at the D-pillar. Instead, the top line runs over the bottom line, which kinks up and aft, resulting in a floating roofline appearance.

2018 Buick Enclave Avenir Debut at 2017 New York Auto Show 010

The design of the rear end features protruding arches, while the decklid contains an integrated spoiler along. Dual exhaust tips flank a diffuser-like element. 18-inch wheels are standard, while 20-inch wheels are optional.

The 2018 Enclave makes extensive use of LEDs, including Buick’s first application of Evonik Acrylite technology and bi-functional LED projector headlamps and LED tail lamps. The technology’s compound curvature application creates a smooth, uniform and recognizable appearance that will make the Enclave stand out on the road. IntelliBeam headlamps available on Premium and Avenir models also allow drivers to experience better road illumination and improved visibility without having to manually switch the high beams on and off.

Though the 2018 Enclave sports a visually lower and slimmer body, it boasts more interior space: the third row alone offers 5.6 more inches of standard legroom than an Acura MDX, 4.5 inches more than an Audi Q7 and nearly three inches more than an Infiniti QX60.

There’s seating for seven and more cargo volume behind the first row than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60.

Quiet Cabin

Having leveraged the first-generation Enclave as a benchmark for quietness, the cabin of the 2018 Enclave is engineered to further minimize unwanted interior noise through its honed exterior shapes, sealing and sound-deadening acoustics, and strategic use of materials throughout. QuietTuning and active noise cancellation enhancements help to reduce, block and absorb noise, keeping it from entering the cabin. An available 10-speaker Bose Premium sound system with new components, new tuning and a redesigned bass enclosure further enhances the sound experience.

“For Enclave customers, who are often driving family and friends, the ability to easily carry a conversation with passengers in all three rows is essential to their daily driving experience,” said Dean Perelli, chief engineer for the Buick Enclave. “The enhanced QuietTuning and active noise cancellation in the all-new Enclave allow them to do just that.”

Air Ionizer

QuietTuning is one example of Buick creating a healthy, relaxing environment in its vehicles. An all-new air ionizer builds on that reputation by eliminating odors and providing higher air quality. It works by producing negatively charged particles that attract air-born contaminants and break down their structure, cleaning the cabin air.

The ionizer can help address external and internal odors and reduce bacteria, viruses, dust, debris and pollen, while also helping improve driver alertness. It requires no maintenance or filter replacement, and comes standard on Essence, Premium and Avenir trim levels (not the base Enclave trim).

Flexible Cargo Solutions

Enclave’s interior has flexible cargo solutions for large and small items: the vehicle has 10 percent more cubic feet of overall interior space when including the hidden underfloor storage, and 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Other space enhancements include a 10-inch-deep dry underfloor storage with 3.1 cubic feet of space.

Second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a wide, nearly-flat load floor. An optional power-folding third row makes reconfiguring more convenient, while available second-row SmartSlide Seats provide easy access to the third row. On the passenger side, the SmartSlide seat provides a pitch slide function to allow access even with an empty forward-facing child seat installed (using the LATCH system).

The 2018 Enclave’s cockpit is highlighted by a frameless 8-inch diagonal infotainment system with Teen Driver, Rear Seat Reminder, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Every Enclave comes equipped with an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (AT&T data plan purchase required after limited data trial period) and five years of the OnStar Basic Plan at no additional cost.

Other technologies include an industry-leading myBuick app, this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.

The 2018 Enclave features a comprehensive offering of standard and available safety technology.

Standard safety equipment on all 2018 Enclaves includes:

  • Rear vision camera
  • Rear park assist
  • Seven air bags, including a front center side airbag

Available crash-avoidance technologies include:

“The Enclave’s sophisticated suite of available radar, camera and ultrasonic crash avoidance technologies is engineered to help drivers continuously monitor their surroundings in an intuitive, assisting manner so they can feel more confident behind the wheel,” said Dean Perelli, chief engineer for the Buick Enclave.

Some of standard equipment on every 2018 Enclave includes:

  • Keyless entry and push-button start
  • Hands-free power-programmable liftgate with a Buick tri-shield logo illuminating the ground below the hidden sensor
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • Universal home remote
  • Six USB ports
  • 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are available)

The 2018 Enclave has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which is more than enough to tow a typical 21-foot sport boat.

The standard and only engine in the 2018 Buick Enclave is a 3.6L V-6 engine (LFY). The engine features stop/start technology and makes an estimated 302 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a GM’s nine-speed 9T65 automatic transmission.

Models are driven by the front wheels by default, while an optional intelligent AWD system with active twin-clutch rear differential and Buick-first switchable AWD is available.

The 2018 Enclave suspension is comprised of a MacPherson strut setup in the front and five-link in the rear. The chassis is tuned for a refined and isolated ride, according to Buick.

The 2018 Enclave is available in four trim levels:

  • Enclave (base)
  • Essence
  • Premium
  • Avenir

The 2018 Enclave is manufactured at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan, USA.

2018 Buick Enclave Starting Prices
Trim Level FWD AWD
Base $40,970 not available
Essence $45,190 $47,190
Premium $48,990 $51,290
Avenir $54,390 $56,690

*Prices include destination fees.

Where

The 2018 Buick Enclave will be available in North America. It’s possible that the vehicle will be sold in the Chinese market, but this has yet to be announced.

When

The 2018 Enclave goes on sale in the United States in the fall of 2017.

The 2018 Buick Enclave is based on the long-wheelbase variant of GM’s new C1XX platform shared with the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.

The regular-wheelbase variant of the C1 architecture underpins the 2017 GMC Acadia and 2017 Cadillac XT5.

The most direct competitors to the 2018 Buick Enclave include:

  • Acura MDX
  • Infiniti QX60
  • Lincoln MKX
  • Mazda CX-9
  • Volvo XC90
  • Lexus RX350L

Following are preliminary specifications on the 2018 Buick Enclave:

Model: Buick Enclave
Body style: full-size SUV (GM category: midsize SUV)
Driveline front-engine; front-wheel drive and available twin-clutch all-wheel drive
Construction: body-frame integral
EPA vehicle class: sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location: Lansing Delta Township
Key competitors: Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, Lincoln MKX, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot

2018 Buick Enclave Propulsion Systems Specifications

Engine: 3.6L V6 with stop/start technology
GM RPO code: LFY
Displacement (cu in / cc): 223 / 3649
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder with VVT
Fuel delivery: direct fuel injection
Buick-est. Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 302 / 227 @ 6800 (estimated)
Buick-est. Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): 260 / 353 @ 2800 (estimated)
Buick-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy / comb): 17 / 25 / 20 (FWD)
17 / 24 / 19 (AWD)
Buick-estimated 0-60 mph (seconds) 7.2 (FWD)
7.5 (AWD)
Transmission: 9T65 nine-speed automatic with dual-shell resonator and dual rear-stamped mufflers
Trailering capacity (lbs) 1,500; 5,000 (with factory-installed towing package)

2018 Buick Enclave Chassis & Suspension Specifications

Suspension (front): MacPherson strut
Suspension (rear):  Five-link
Steering type: electric variable power-assist steering (EPS) with Active Return Assist
Turning circle (ft / m): 39 / 11.9
Brakes: four-wheel-disc, variable brake system with power assist; Duralife brake rotors and four-channel ABS

2018 Buick Enclave Wheels & Tires Specifications

Wheels Size & Type Tires
18 inch cast aluminum P255/65R18 all-season
20 inch cast aluminum P255/55R20 all-season

2018 Buick Enclave Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm): 120.9 / 3071
Overall length (in / mm): 204.3 / 5189
Overall width (in / mm): 78.8 / 2001.5
Overall height (in / mm): 69.9 / 1775
Track (in / mm): 67.3 / 1709 (front), 67 / 1702 (rear)
Curb weight (lb / kg): 4358 / 1977 (base)
Fuel tank (gal): 19.4 (FWD), 21.7 (AWD)

2018 Buick Enclave Interior Dimensions

Measurement First Row Second Row Third Row
Headroom (in / mm): 41 / 1041.4 (without moonroof) 39.9 / 1013.5 (without moonroof) 37.6 / 955
Legroom (in / mm): 41.2 / 1046.5 38.9 / 988.1 33.7 / 856
Shoulder room (in / mm): 62.4 / 1581 61.7 / 1566 57.3 / 1455
Hip room (in / mm): 59.1 / 1500 57.7 / 1465 48.5 / 1233
Cargo Volume (cu. ft. / L)* Behind First Row Behind Second Row Behind Third Row
Cargo Volume: 97.6 / 2764.5 58 / 1642.9 23.6 / 668.2
Underfloor storage bin: 3.1 / 88.6
Seating Capacity up to seven passengers

*Measurements calculated according to new SAE standard. Cargo space behind the first row has increased overall by seven cubic feet from the first generation Enclave.

Following were GM Authority’s expectations for the 2018 Buick Enclave prior to its unveiling:

We expect the 2018 Enclave to receive a complete overhaul (redesign and re-engineering), obtaining a new platform, new design inside and out, as well as a new range of engines. The crossover will likely move upmarket in price and luxury thanks to the addition of the new compact Envision CUV to the Buick lineup, which slots between the subcompact Encore and full-size Enclave.

It’s also worth mentioning that it is possible that the all-new Enclave will reach the market as a 2018 model year vehicle. If this ends up being the case, then the CUV we’re discussing here will be known as the 2018 Buick Enclave.

Following are our expectations of the 2018 Buick Enclave:

  • Completely overhauled (redesigned and re-engineered) for sale in North America and China
  • Retain full-size dimensions of the first generation Enclave by measuring in at 200 inches in length or longer with three rows of seating
  • All-new exterior design in line with Buick’s latest design language
  • All-new interior that is of a higher quality and is also more space-efficient than the first-generation Enclave, resulting in more interior room from similar exterior dimensions
  • Based on the long-wheelbase variant of GM’s new C1XX platform shared with the all-new, next-generation 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The regular-wheelbase variant of the C1 architecture underpins the 2017 GMC Acadia and 2017 Cadillac XT5.
  • Transverse engine orientation, front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive
  • All-new engine lineup consisting of GM’s new 3.6L V6 LGX mated to an eight- or nine-speed automatic transmission; the 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 LGW could be available as a more powerful option
  • Thanks to GM’s new C1 platform, significantly lighter (to the tune of 300 pounds or 136 kg) than its predecessor, improving fuel economy and driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking, and handling
  • The latest IntelliLink infotainment and active safety/driver assistance systems
  • Starting in the low $40,000 range, slightly higher than first-gen Enclave
  • As part of the global global alignment of Buick with GM’s Opel-Vauxhall brands, an Opel-Vauxhall variant of the 2018 Enclave is possible. GM and Opel executives have confirmed plans for a “large” crossover by 2018.
  • Unveiled in late 2016 or early 2017 as a 2018 model
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2018 Buick Enclave Pages

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