2019 Buick Enclave
Episode 1 – First Impressions
My name is Jeff Vass and I am a Key Account Manager with Jim Pattison Lease. I also happen to be a huge car guy and I am fortunate that my role allows me the opportunity to spend time behind the wheel of all different makes and models.
Welcome to the first edition of Daily Driver! In each of these features, I will be providing basic reviews of the vehicle I am currently driving to help readers decide on a vehicle that’s right for them. We’ll be starting with the 2019 Buick Enclave AWD Premium to kick things off. The Premium trim slots between the base Essence and top-of-the-line Avenir.
The 2019 Buick Enclave’s naturally aspirated V6 engine provides an enjoyable drive and always has power when called upon.
I haven’t had much recent experience behind the wheel of GM’s product line beyond rental vehicles (pre-COVID, when travel was permitted). I was looking forward to experiencing the evolution of a vehicle that I had driven in the past. My last Buick Enclave was a 2012 model that quickly became known as Wally. During low-speed maneuvering (i.e. parking lots), steering input resulted in a noise similar to a walrus. Or at least what friends and family thought one would sound like. Thus, the name Wally (the Walrus) stuck. While I cannot confirm the issue for the 2012 model, I can happily report this 2019 daily driver does not make any such noise.
The 2019 Buick Enclave AWD Premium comes equipped with a 3.6L V-6 engine good for a more-than-satisfying 310hp and 266 lb-ft. of torque mated to a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle includes the Experience Buick Package, offering touchscreen navigation, a moonroof with rear-fixed skylight, 20” alloy wheels, and a trailer tow package. This isn’t your grandfather’s old Buick anymore; it’s a powerhouse of an SUV.
Buick’s Modern Luxury
A comfortable and quiet cabin is what one can expect from the 2019 Buick Enclave.
My first impression getting into the current iteration is that the dash is modern and well laid out. The quality of materials is impressive. Fingerprints are a non-issue due to plastics being kept to a minimum and used in places that are unlikely to be touched regularly. The seats are leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated while providing great comfort and support. The 8” infotainment screen is well-situated in the middle of the dash. The HVAC controls are still actual buttons that allow for quick and easy adjustments while driving.
The main reason a vehicle in this class and size is chosen is for space. The 3-row crossover offers a spacious interior for up to 7 passengers with captain chairs in the second row (the third row works best for kids due to less legroom). With the second and third rows stowed there is plenty of area for storage for an Ikea shopping trip (more on that in an upcoming article).
The Power, Control, and Space of Enclave
Loads of cargo space behind the 3rd-row seats.
Speaking of driving, it is a surprisingly responsive vehicle for its size. The engine/transmission combo provides consistent power off the line and at highway speeds. Coupling that power with an astonishingly quiet cabin has led to some instances of going a little faster than I thought I was. Until I glance at the speedometer. Thankfully, no police in sight. The handling is precise and the vehicle feels more nimble than its large 7-seater dimensions suggest. Before this Buick Enclave, I was driving a comparably-sized Volkswagen Atlas. The performance of this, comparatively, is noticeably better. When it comes to that off-the-line acceleration, the Enclave is the obvious winner.
Over the next few months, I look forward to spending more time with this 2019 Buick Enclave AWD Premium to explore all the features and capabilities this premium daily driver has to offer!
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Article by Jeff Vass, Key Account Manager – Burnaby
