What Is Buick’s Best Midsize SUV?
The Buick Enclave is the only midsize SUV in Buick’s 2022 lineup. Learn more here.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
The 2022 Enclave is the only Buick midsize SUV. With an MSRP of $51,453, the Enclave is a premiere midsize SUV that offers exceptional cargo space, a distinct and sleek exterior, and lots of noteworthy tech features.
The midsize SUV gets lost in the shuffle these days. Many drivers want something small enough for urban driving whereas others want a large model for big families. Nestled between the two is the midsize SUV, a marriage of practicality and power. And Buick offers an outstanding one with the 2022 Enclave.
But is the Enclave any good?
Jerry
, the trusted car insurance
broker app, is here to explore just that. We’ll go over key specs for Buick’s sole midsize SUV and compare it to the competition. As a bonus, we’ll throw in some tips to help you save on Buick insurance costs
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Does Buick have a midsize SUV?
Buick has one midsize SUV. The
Buick Enclave
is the only midsize model in the automaker’s lineup. Its entire SUV line includes the Envision
, a compact SUV, and the Encore
, a subcompact crossover SUV. Sure, there’s only one midsize model. But it’s highly rated and has sold incredibly well since first hitting the market.
What makes a midsize SUV?
A midsize SUV is exactly as it sounds—bigger than a compact but smaller than a full-size SUV.
To give you an idea of its size, let’s review the Buick Enclave’s dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 120.93 inches
- Length: 204.78 inches
- Width, without mirrors: 78.8 inches
- Height: 69.9 inches
- Front track width: 67.3 inches
- Rear track width: 67 inches
- Minimum ground clearance: 7.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 121.1 inches
- Length: 208.9 inches
- Width, without mirrors: 79.9 inches
- Height: 75.8 inches
- Front track width: 67.5 inches
- Rear track width: 67.9 inches
- Minimum ground clearance: 9.1 inches
While every inch counts, there’s not a lot separating the exterior of a midsize SUV from a full-sized one.
Is the Buick Encore a midsize SUV?
No, the Buick Encore is a small SUV, not a midsize. But it is not short on benefits. It boasts excellent safety features like Side Blind Zone Alert in addition to ample cargo space, quiet-tuning technology, keyless open and start, and more.
MORE: Buick Enclave towing capacity
Buick Enclave vs. Honda Pilot: which is the best midsize SUV?
Now let’s take a closer look to see if the Enclave trumps one of its midsize rivals, the
Honda Pilot
. This way, you can get closer to making a decision on the right SUV for you. 2022 Buick Enclave
MSRP: $42,800
MPG: 20 city / 17 highway / 25 combined
Seating for: 7 passengers
It’s a bit pricey but the 2022 Enclave is a muscular, performance-first SUV with three rows. It’s spacious and handles like a dream. If you’re shopping for a midsize SUV and can afford it, you should take a long look at this midsize model.
It has a 3.6L V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission that produces 310 horsepower and enough performance to satisfy most drivers. Not to mention, the Enclave only needs 5.75 seconds to go 0 to 60 mph.
The Enclave is also a safe ride, equipped with Buick Driver Confidence, a suite of safety features and driver-assistance technology that comes standard. Some of these safety features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Following distance indicator
- Front pedestrian braking
- Lane change alert
- Rear park assist
The Enclave lets owners choose from three trims: the Essence, the Premium, and the Avenir.
Other highlights include:
- Sculptural lines and expressive details
- Upscale appearance
- Alexa built-in
- Heated steering wheel, plus heated driver and front passenger seating
- Leather-appointed first- and second-row seating
Weaknesses include:
- Not very rugged
- The most expensive trim, the Avenir, doesn’t offer much value
- Lacks luxuriousness
- Average fuel economy
2022 Honda Pilot
MSRP range: $37,580
MPG: 19-20 city / 25-27 highway / 22 combined
Seating for: Up to 8 passengers
Sure, it’s a midsize SUV, but the Pilot has been categorized as a fine minivan for people who hate minivans. Essentially, it offers the practicality of what makes a minivan useful without the traits that have given it an undesirable reputation.
This midsize SUV can seat up to eight passengers and offers ample interior storage and cargo space along with solid fuel economy.
The Pilot features a 280-horsepower V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Owners can choose between FWD and AWD but will want to stick to city streets and highways as its 7.3 inches of ground clearance can’t handle most off-roading adventures.
The Pilot is typically cheaper than the Enclave and therefore offers more value. For instance, some of its impressive features include heated mirrors, a sunroof, power-adjustable heated front seats, and satellite radio. If you value choice, the Pilot offers five trims, too.
Highlights include:
- Quiet ride with smooth handling
- 10-speaker audio system
- Comfy seat backs that can recline
- Honda Sensing suite that includes lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and more
Weaknesses include:
- Uncomfortable third-row seating
- Unreceptive touchscreen
2022 Buick Enclave vs. 2022 Honda Pilot comparison
2022 Buick Enclave | 2022 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
Starting MSRP | $42,800 | $37,580 |
Seating capacity | Seven | Seven or eight |
Fuel economy | 25 combined mpg | 22 combined mpg |
Base engine | 3.6L V6 (310 hp, 266 lb-ft of torque) | 3.5L V6 (280 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque) |
Total cargo volume | 97.4 cubic feet | 83.8 cubic feet |
Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 to 5,000 lbs | 3,500 to 5,000 lbs |
NHTSA safety rating | Five stars | Five stars |
Reliability scores | 78/100 (U.S. News), 84/100 (J.D. Power) | 79.0/100 (U.S. News), 81/100 (J.D. Power) |
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The bottom line
It’s a close race but the Honda Pilot gets points for price, towing capacity, trim options, seating capacity, and standard features. The Buick Enclave wins for fuel economy, interior style, and cargo volume. It depends on what you’re looking for, but we’d give a slight edge to the Pilot with the deciding factors being price, value, and trim options.
Best midsize SUV competitors
The Buick Enclave has more competitors than just the Pilot, though. It’s a stacked class and there are a lot of midsize SUVs available to drivers. Here are just a few of its competitors:
- 2022Toyota 4Runner($37,605 starting MSRP): A midsize built for off-roading enthusiasts and drivers who yearn for adventure. Its rugged body more than makes up for its lack of modern touches and efficiency.
- 2022Toyota Highlander($35,855 starting MSRP): A good option for fuel economy and safety, the Highlander is a solid choice for families despite its third row that doesn’t offer a lot of elbow room.
- 2022Kia Telluride($33,390 starting MSRP): Like most Kia models, the Telluride is affordable and practical. This midsize offers a lot of value to drivers looking for a reasonably priced midsize SUV with appealing technology and ample space for passengers and cargo.
MORE: Are Buicks expensive to maintain?
How to save on Buick insurance
The insurance costs for a midsize SUV are high compared to the average sedan. But if you partner with
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app, you don’t have to settle for whatever rate is handed to you.Jerry is a
licensed insurance broker
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