If your family’s needs skew toward a large, luxury, three-seat crossover model, consider the 2022 Buick Enclave Avenir all-wheel drive.
Enclave’s versatility allows one to transport up to seven passengers, fold down the third-row to reveal a cavernous cargo area, tow a trailer or boat, or simply cruise your favorite main drag in luxurious style.
Avenir, the top-of-the-line trim, is powered by the naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter, V6 engine rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired to GM’s nine-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel-drive system. Enclave has a 5,000-pound towing capacity and delivers 25 miles per gallon down the highway as rated by the EPA.
“The Enclave has been a successful formula for the Buick brand, with sales results that have defied traditional product cycles, and 90 percent of customers purchasing in the top two trim levels,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “It’s a beacon for the modern, attainable luxury Buick represents.”
Enclave looks the part as well. My tester received an “Ebony Twilight Metallic” coat of enamel contrast against “Whisper Beige” interior accents. All Avenir models feature an exclusive three-dimensional mesh grille paired with chrome wings inspired by Buick concept cars. Additional Enclave Avenir styling cues include 20-inch, six-spoke wheels with a pearl nickel finish.
But it is the interior and its multitude of creature comforts that define Enclave. Starting with perforated leather heated and ventilated front seats, to the second-row bucket seats, to the third-row 60/40 split bench with power fold-down feature, all occupants are well taken care of.
Second- and third-row seating fold flat to create a wide, nearly-flat load floor. A power-folding third row makes reconfiguring more convenient, while second-row SmartSlide Seats provide easy access to the third row. On the passenger side, the SmartSlide seat provides pitch slide functionality to allow access even with an empty forward-facing child seat installed.
Everyone also benefits from a dual moonroof with power front and fixed rear. Other goodies include trip-zone climate control, Bose premium audio system, active noise cancellation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Infotainment system with navigation, rear camera mirror, power hands-free lift-gate with projected logo, USB ports and power outlet.
The driver is treated to adaptive cruise control, which make road trips fun – not torture. And let’s not forget the heated steering wheel, remote start and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Finally, the 2022 Enclave sees the addition of a “Buick Driver Confidence Plus Package” as a replacement for the Safety Package on the Essence trim. The suite is standard on all trim levels and includes the following safety features:
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
Following Distance Indicator
Forward Collision Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Front Pedestrian Braking
Headlamp Control with IntelliBeam Auto High Beam
Front and Rear Park Assist
Auto Emergency Braking
Base Price: $58,295
Price As Driven: $59,890
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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