2026 Buick Enclave Review: Turbocharged Luxury SUV With 328HP, 30-Inch OLED, Super Cruise Tech

5 min read
2026 Buick Enclave

Buick has fully redesigned the 2026 Buick Enclave, positioning it as a luxury-spec midsize three-row SUV that leans heavily on technology, premium materials and modern styling. The new Enclave Avenue swaps the outgoing V6 for a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, pairs it with an 8-speed automatic, and is available with all-wheel drive. Priced at $66,000 (MSRP) and combines upscale cabin appointments with advanced driver assistance including GM's Super Cruise hands-free system.

2026 Buick Enclave Specifications

  • Model: 2026 Buick Enclave (Avenue trim shown)
  • Powertrain: 2.5L turbo I4 — 328 hp / 326 lb-ft; 8-speed automatic
  • Drive: Front-wheel drive base; all-wheel-drive available
  • Performance: 0–60 mph ≈ 6.6 seconds; top speed 130 mph
  • Fuel economy (AWD): 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
  • Towing: Up to 5,000 lbs (trailer prep / tow hitch panel accessible)
  • Weight: 4,734 lbs (tested vehicle)
  • MSRP: $66,000
  • Key tech: 30-inch uninterrupted OLED display, full digital rearview mirror, 360° cameras, Super Cruise hands-free highway driving, Bose 16-speaker audio, head-up display

Design & exterior: modernized Buick language

Buick's latest Enclave adopts styling cues from recent GM concepts, highlighted by a sculpted front end and a restrained mix of gloss black and chrome. Exterior highlights include split LED daytime running lamps, integrated LED headlights, and a prominent new Buick badge set into a clean hood crease.

Wheels are 22-inch polished aluminum with 275/45 profile tires; designers keep paint carried into the fender openings for a cohesive, slightly more premium look. Rear styling features a long roof spoiler with built-in third-brake light and twin visible exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper. The packaging retains utility, the tow capacity is 5,000 lbs when equipped.

Powertrain & driving impressions

The most notable mechanical change for 2026 is the departure of the V6. Buick replaces it with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering higher peak horsepower and torque figures than the outgoing V6, tuned through an 8-speed automatic. The result is a responsive on-road experience: the Enclave posts a 0–60 mph time of roughly 6.6 seconds, with smooth gear changes and usable midrange thrust.

On the road, the Enclave Avenue balances quietness and comfort with composed chassis tuning. There is perceptible turbo character, mild turbo lag and a distinctive four-cylinder sound under hard acceleration, but Buick aims for refinement over sportiness. The tested AWD system contributes to stable handling, and multiple drive modes (Sport, Tour, Snow, Off-Road, Tow, etc.) let drivers tailor behavior for conditions.

Super Cruise is offered on this trim and performs as one of GM's most mature semi-autonomous driving systems, enabling hands-free driving on mapped highways with dependable lane changes and adaptive spacing. Overall NVH is well controlled; road noise is present but not intrusive at highway speeds.

Interior: upscale material choices and tech focus

Buick heavily emphasized material quality and interior design in the Enclave Avenue. The cabin features a two-tone scheme (dark blue with beige) with wood and copper-tone accents and detailed perforated leather. Passenger-focused comforts include:

  • 30-inch uninterrupted OLED display spanning instrument and center infotainment functions
  • Bose 16-speaker audio with aluminum grille covers
  • Heated and ventilated front seats with three levels, plus massage for driver and front passenger
  • Dual-zone climate with tactile toggles for primary HVAC controls (seat functions are accessed via the touchscreen)
  • Wireless charging, multiple USB-A / USB-C ports, large center console storage and generous door pockets

Practicality notes: light-colored upholstery and delicate trim may challenge families with kids or pets; the mid-row offers sliding/reclining captain's chairs, while the third row is usable for adults on shorter trips but is trimmed more simply. Cargo capacity is 23 cu ft with the third row up, expanding to 57 cu ft with the third row folded and approaching ~90 cu ft with both rear rows stowed.

Safety & driver assistance

Buick packages a comprehensive electronics suite that includes:

  • Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance with lane change capability on approved roads
  • 360° camera system with live camera views that can be displayed while driving
  • Forward-facing camera integration and parking assist features
  • Digital rearview mirror with washer (reviewer notes wished for deletion of the exterior wiper to clean up the rear aesthetic)

Connectivity includes integrated Google Maps and app access via the large OLED display, plus a head-up display for critical driving information.

2026 Buick Enclave Pricing & positioning

MSRP of $66,000, placing the Enclave squarely in the premium midsize three-row segment. Buick's goal with the 2026 redesign appears to be reclaiming a more premium image by combining advanced tech, richer materials and a modern exterior design. The brand's strategy trades the traditional V6 character for higher numbers and improved efficiency from a turbocharged four-cylinder.

Verdict: Does the 2026 Buick Enclave deserve consideration?

The 2026 Buick Enclave represents a deliberate pivot toward modern premium appeal: it pairs a high-output turbo inline-4 and an 8-speed automatic with a tech-heavy, well-appointed interior and practical three-row utility. For buyers prioritizing interior refinement, advanced driver assistance (including Super Cruise) and upscale design touches, the Enclave Avenue is a compelling alternative to luxury badged rivals, particularly at the $66,000 price point.

Criticisms center on the removal of the V6 (some drivers will miss its character), the noisy turbo four under load, and the choice of light interior colors that may not suit active family life. Still, Buick's attention to materials, seating comfort (massage front seats, ventilated/heated options) and long-range features make the Enclave a credible "luxury-spec" option in the midsize three-row class.