2019 Buick Enclave Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Buyers looking for a high quality three row SUV will definitely want to check out the Buick Enclave. It offers spacious seating for seven with a whisper quiet interior thanks to quiet tuning technology. It allows all of the passengers the ability to enjoy their luxurious surroundings in peace and quiet.

The cargo space and towing capacity of the Enclave give it added versatility as a cargo hauling powerhouse. It also offers fold flat seating and almost 100 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats not in use. In addition to the cargo hauling ability of the Enclave, it offers a powerful engine and advanced nine speed automatic transmission for plenty of acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Buyers looking for a midsized SUV with modern and luxurious features will want to consider the Enclave. It offers four different trim levels and multiple add on packages. The standard features of each trim level are different, so buyers will benefit from educating themselves on the different options available. This article offers readers an overview of each trim level and its standard and available features so buyers can get the most from their buying experience.

Compare the 2019 Buick Enclave Preferred vs Essence Trims. What is the difference?

The Buick Enclave Preferred trim level is the base option for the Enclave. It has been equipped with a long list of standard features that will make buyers take note of the high quality of the Enclave. It is priced much higher than many of its competitors. The Enclave Preferred starts out with an MSRP of about $40,000 which is significantly higher than many other entries in the midsized SUV category.

The Preferred trim level Enclave offers buyers a powerful V6 engine that cranks out 310 horsepower. The 3.6 liter V6 is paired with a nine speed automatic transmission and also has automatic start and stop technology built in to offer great fuel economy. The Enclave gets 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The exterior of the Enclave Preferred features LED headlights. It is also equipped with 18" Bright Silver Cast Aluminum wheels. The Preferred trim comes in nine exterior colors. The standard color is Summit White. There are eight additional premium paint options available for a small upcharge. The premium paints include; Red Quartz Tintcoat, Dark Slate Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Tricoat, Satin Steel Metallic, Havana Metallic, Quicksilver Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic.

The Enclave Preferred also features a hands free power liftgate with logo illumination. The hands free liftgate offers easy access to the cargo space of the Enclave. The third row seating of the Enclave offers 60/40 fold flat bench seating. The second row is two captains chairs that offer easy access to the third row seating.

The interior of the Enclave Preferred is appointed with wood grain inlays and brushed aluminum accents. The seating is cloth and available only in a Dark Galvanized color. The front seats are heated at the Preferred trim level.

The technology features of the Preferred trim level are impressive. The infotainment system is an eight inch touch screen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a 4G WiFi Hotspot. It also offers satellite radio capabilities.

The Preferred is also equipped with safety features including rear view camera and rear parking sensors.

The Preferred trim level of the Enclave is loaded with luxurious features and technology, but the Essence trim level offers even more standard features as well as add on packages and options.

The Essence trim level offers buyers access to the Intelligent AWD system for about $2,000. This AWD system features a single clutch, while the AWD systems of the Premium and Avenir are dual clutch. The AWD monitors road conditions and shifts power to the wheels with the best traction when engaged.

The exterior of the Essence also includes one additional color option. The Black Cherry Metallic paint is available on the Essence as well as the Premium trim level. The standard wheels are the same as the Preferred offering, but buyers can step up to 20" Polished Cast Aluminum wheels for an added fee. Buyers also gain access to the power moonroof option with the Essence trim level.

The interior of the Essence features leather seating in three colors. The options are Dark Galvanized, Brandy or Shale perforated leather seating. The comfort of the cabin is also upgraded with a standard in vehicle air ionizer.

Driver technology for the Essence also gets an upgrade with standard Blind Spot Alert and Lane Change Alert. The Essence is also equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The Essence also offers buyers access to add on features and packages not available with the Preferred trim. The Essence can be outfitted with a Trailering package that includes an engine cooler, trailer hitch and wiring harness. With this package the Enclave is capable of towing 5,000 lbs.

The Essence can also be upgraded to include the Buick Infotainment system and navigation.

The Essence offers buyers the ability to step up to a rear view camera mirror and a surround view monitor. The rear view camera offers the driver an excellent view of the rear of the vehicle. While passengers and cargo may obstruct the view from a traditional mirror, the rear view camera projects an unobstructed view of the rear of the vehicle onto the rear view mirror. The surround view camera offers the driver a birds eye view of the surroundings of the vehicle.

Compare the 2019 Enclave Essence vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The Buick Enclave Essence outfits the Enclave with leather seating and additional driver technology for about $2,000 more than what the Preferred trim costs. It also offers buyers add on packages and features including the AWD system and Trailering package.

The Enclave Premium is a much more significant increase in price compared to the Essence, but it offers a long list of standard driver assistance technology features.

The Premium trim level offers an upgraded version of the intelligent AWD system as an add on option. The exterior options of the Premium trim level remain the same as the Essence with the exception of standard automatic high beam capabilities thrown in as standard equipment.

The interior of the Premium trim is decked out with many standard features compared to the Essence. It features heated and ventilated front seats with an automatic heated steering wheel. The second row seats are heated and the third row is equipped with power fold flat capability.

The Premium trim level also integrates the driver Safety Alert Seat as standard equipment to compliment the standard driver assist technology that is included at this trim level. The driver assist features include; lane keep assist, front park assist, forward collision alert and all of the standard driver technology features of the Essence trim level.

The Enclave Premium also includes a premium, 10 speaker Bose sound system with an amplifier and sub woofer. Buyers can also upgrade the Premium to include the Buick infotainment system and navigation that is available with the Essence trim. It also includes memory settings for the driver seat, mirrors and steering column.

The rear view camera and surround vision system are still add on features. The Trailering package is also available for an additional cost.

The Premium offers significant interior upgrades, but buyers can also add the Experience Buick package that includes the 20" wheels, power moonroof and Trailering package.

Compare the Enclave Premium vs Avenir Trims. What is the difference?

The Enclave Premium has plenty of upside and available options, but the Avenir is the ultimate Enclave experience. It features many of the optional equipment for the Premium as standard equipment and even adds some additional features. The top tier AWD system is still optional on the Avenir.

The Avenir also sports some serious appearance upgrades. It is equipped with a Black Ice grille, exclusive 20" wheels and Avenir badging details. It is also only available in select exterior colors. The Avenir only comes in five colors; Dark Slate Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic, White Frost Tricoat, Satin Steel Metallic and Pepperdust Metallic.

The Avenir interior is also upgraded. It includes two exclusive upholstery colors. The Avenir can be outfitted in Chestnut and Ebony perforated leather seating. It also comes standard with a wireless mobile device charging pad, an eight inch configurable driver information screen and a real wood accented steering wheel.

The Avenir also comes standard with all of the driver technology available on the Premium trim. The upgraded infotainment system with navigation, power sunroof and rear camera mirror and surround vision are also included with the Avenir trim.

The optional packages for the Avenir include the Trailering package and the Avenir Technology package. This add on includes adaptive cruise control, forward automatic braking and a premium suspension system.

Final Thoughts

The base model of the Enclave and the fully loaded Avenir are separated in price by about $15,000. Many buyers will have to carefully consider which trim level is for them because they all have advantages and disadvantages.

The Essence trim comes with a well rounded list of standard features and costs only a few thousand dollars more than the Preferred trim. It also lets the buyer upgrade to the intelligent AWD system, which is not an option in the base trim. The leather seats and increased number of driver technology features make it a good option.

The Premium trim level packs a lot of standard driver technology like the Safety Alert Seat and emergency braking into the list of its standard features. It also offers buyers access to almost every feature available in the Enclave. The price is quite a bit higher than the Essence, but the features may justify the splurge for many buyers.

The Avenir offers a refined appearance and excellent interior options. It costs about $5,000 more than the Premium trim, so making the leap to the Avenir is a tough decision. It has the best features available, but might not have enough of a leg up on the Premium to warrant the extra cost.