What’s New for the 2021 Buick Enclave?

A few details about the new 2021 Buick Enclave are already official. The SUV will get a price bump because of the upcoming changes. These will include an update of the front fascia and the release is set for the last third of 2020. Still, we don’t believe this is all for the mid-size SUV. Launched two years ago, the next Enclave could bring a mid-cycle update. That could include even more changes, a reshuffle of trim levels, new models. Still, Avenir will remain the best option if you are after this seven-seater.

Enclave is something between the luxury and non-premium segment. It belongs to the GM’s lineup. If you need more than Traverse offers, but still don’t want to spend more money on Cadillac XT5, then the 2021 Buick Enclave is the right choice. Still, the SUV has its downsides as well. Fans hope the carmaker is going to fix these lacks we will mention later. However, the overall impression of this vehicle is very positive, which is also confirmed with good sales numbers in the past period.

What Needs to be Improved on the 2021 Buick Enclave?

The carmaker knows the downsides of its SUV. The first thing we would like to point out and see improved is the gas mileage. A V6 is supplying the 2021 Buick Enclave with power. Its 310 hp is above the most rivals. But, with 21 mpg, this is definitely not a choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly model. Plus, its starting price won’t make it up to you, since the Enclave costs more than the standard SUV, but does not offer premium features. If we take it as a luxury SUV, then it looks cheap compared to rivals.

The company unveiled changes on the front fascia, but designers also need to update the interior. This is a priority if they want to see Enclave competitive on the market. Driver-aid features are missing on the base trim level, and when buying them, the vehicle becomes very expensive. The same is with other accessories buyers would like to add.

2021 Buick Enclave Facelift and Other Changes

We already know the 2021 Buick Enclave is going to introduce a new look. Everything starts with the grille and front bumper, parts which wear the most camouflage. Spy photos are also hiding hood and headlights, so most fans believe the complete front fascia will be new. We cannot compare it to the rest of the lineup since no other model brought any serious changes recently. However, when Enclave comes out, Envision and Encore will follow its footsteps in design.

Interior

There are four trim levels currently available for the SUV. General Motors will keep the lineup. The base version is Preferred, and it comes with leather steering wheels, which is a great start. But, don’t rush to it, since the rest of the SUV is not so special. Well, we must point out a big infotainment screen and a quiet cabin. The first two rows are wrapped in leather at the Essence package. An air ionizer is definitely the feature we would like to highlight and this trim also brings more driver-aid features. The premium model will bring you Bose audio and navigation. At the safety end, there is a forward collision warning, while leather seats are getting massage function.

2021 Buick Enclave Avenir

The top-notch model in the lineup is the 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir. It is something like the Denali version of GMC SUVs. The wireless phone charger is added, as well as power sunroof. Rear camera mirror and 360-degree cameras are standard. There are no mechanical upgrades, but the Avenir version also brings some visual changes that will make the SUV more aggressive and luxurious.

Specs

The only engine for the mid-size model is a 3.6-liter V6 unit. This displacement is good for 310 horsepower. Most rivals are able to deliver up to 300 ponies. However, the 2021 Buick Enclave is not going to tow more than the competition. 5,000 pounds of towing capacity is something we expect from the midsize SUV. Three-row layout and seven seating spots are standard. The engine also provides 266 lb-ft, and the combo is good for only 21 mpg combined. Pick an AWD and the mileage goes deeper.

The solution for fuel economy issues might be found in China. The carmaker launched Encore in this part of the world after many speculations. Well, the mid-size model is using a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit to maximize the performance and stay efficient. If this happens, we believe that a nine-speed auto gearbox is going to transfer 240 hp and 260 lb-ft to the front or all wheels. GM is already using a similar configuration on its other SUVs. The fuel economy of this unit is around 24 mpg for the Cadillac XT5. This would fix one of the downsides for sure. But, the facelift and the new engine will increase the price of the SUV. The MSRP is already pretty high, with the entry-level’s cost of $42,000.