Buick’s Enclave Avenir is a great-looking, mid-sized SUV. My test model was really beautiful, clad in a Rich Garnet Metallic paint coat that shimmered and sparkled in the sunlight. Enclave’s dramatic new color called attention to the top-of-the-line Avenir’s distinctive, sculpted styling.
The interior was also lovely in chestnut with ebony accents. This elegant Avenir is the perfect vehicle to take you out on the town in style. You’ll feel right at home at the theatre, symphony, or even the opera (that is, if only any of those were open!).
Driving the Avenir during the COVID-19 quarantine might seem like something of a waste, with no place to show it off. But it was still lots of fun to drive, operating smoothly on a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 9-speed automatic transmission. As car writers, driving these test vehicles is a necessary part of our job description. I’ll admit, it’s hard to consider driving such a great vehicle as “work,” but somebody has to do it!
Our SUV even had massaging seats for driver and front-seat passenger. This is a luxury touch occasionally found in much more expensive brands, but is a standard feature on Enclave’s Premium and Avenir editions.
More Luxury Touches in Avenir
Photo: Buick
We took the Avenir on our afternoon “try to forget about the Quarantine” drives into the countryside. These drives are something my husband and I have enjoyed doing together while dreaming of future, longer trips to a “real” destination. Enclave’s Avenir can hold up to seven passengers and their gear, making it a great vehicle for a road trip with family or friends.
The cabin had a lot more luxury touches than just massaging seats, with leather trim throughout. I especially liked the wi-fi hot spot and charging options for my Android, since taking photos of bluebonnets and wildflowers runs my cell’s battery down quickly. Avenir’s 8-inch diagonal touchscreen has connected navigation plus HD Rear Vision Camera and HD Surround Vision.
Buick’s 2020 Enclave has an MSRP of only $41,195, but the Avenir trim’s price tag was $53,800. Buick had added a special technology package that featured automatic cruise control, advanced emergency braking and other systems to the test vehicle. These added options brought the price tag to $55,800.
Fuel economy on the Enclave was estimated at 18 mpg and 26 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 21 mpg. And isn’t it interesting that at a time when so many places have been forced to close for business, auto travel is cheaper than ever with gasoline prices at an all-time low? At least that is a plus for the trucking industry, since our country’s truck drivers are busier than ever trying to keep stores stocked with toilet paper and other hard-to-find staples.
