This Week, We’ll be Driving the New Buick Enclave Avenir

In a few days, The Car Guide will get the opportunity to drive the new 2018 Buick Enclave. This midsize SUV was unveiled at the New York Auto Show this past April, in Avenir trim.

The Avenir version of Buick’s products is the equivalent of Denali over at GMC, which means more luxury, equipped with just about every possible accessory and technology. As standard, the Enclave Avenir will get a camera-integrated interior rearview mirror, active park assist and a 10-speaker Bose Premium sound system. Obviously, the 4G LTE on-board WiFi is included, while a five-year subscription to OnStar is also part of the package. An adjustable suspension, adaptive cruise control and a drive assist system are all on the options list.

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The Enclave, which can seat up to seven people, receives a 3.6-litre V6 that develops 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic and an all-wheel drivetrain with a dual-clutch setup at the rear round out the mechanical highlights. The SUV can tow up to 5000 pounds (2268 kilograms) when properly equipped. Otherwise, the capacity reaches 1500 lbs. (680 kg). A front-drive version of the Enclave will also be available, although it likely won’t be very popular in Canada.

When it appeared in 2007 as a 2008 model, the Enclave was flanked by its cousins, the GMC Acadia and the Saturn Outlook, all based on the same architecture. The following year, the Chevrolet Traverse was added to the newly formed quartet. The Outlook retired shortly thereafter when GM terminated the Saturn brand.

During last year’s redesign, GMC decided to go its own way and presented a slightly smaller and lighter Acadia. Chevrolet and Buick continued their association, as the Traverse and the Enclave still share the same platform, but are sufficiently different to set each other apart.

During our drive, we’ll also get to try out a “base” Enclave. Its powertrain is the same as the one found in the Avenir, but it will be less equipped, so less expensive.

Stay tuned, as we’ll soon be back with more details and our driving impressions.