2022 Buick Enclave Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Need the space of a minivan but not a fan of that look? The three-row SUV market has the answer. It has exploded in popularity in recent years as more and more families choose this vehicle type. Naturally, the luxury brands quickly saw this new trend and hurried to get in on it.

For Buick, the three-row SUV is called the Enclave. This vehicle is applauded for its generous amount of passenger and cargo space. It also has a smooth and enjoyable ride, plus an extensive list of standard features. On the downside, the 2022 Enclave is thirstier than many of its rivals and some critics question the materials that Buick uses for its cabin.

This year, the Enclave includes many more driver assistance features on its list of standard equipment. There have also been styling updates made, both to the exterior and the cabin. The 2022 model is part of the second generation of the Enclave, which debuted in 2018.

If buyers do decide that the pros of the Enclave outweigh its cons, they then have three different trim levels to consider. Prices range from just under $44,000 to over $56,000. With careful research, buyers can get their hands on the Enclave that has everything they need without ending up paying for features that they will never actually use.

To help achieve this goal, the following guide was created to point out all of the significant differences between the three 2022 Buick Enclave trim levels.

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

One thing that never changes when looking at the 2022 Enclave is the powertrain. All three trim levels go with a thirsty 3.6L V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The output is 310-horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to move the midsize Enclave around without hesitation. This setup is smooth and will provide quick acceleration when needed.

At the same time, this engine will be hard on the wallet. With front-wheel drive, which is what comes standard, the Enclave Essence is estimated to get 18mpg in the city and 26mpg on the highway. While these numbers are not necessarily bad, they are lower than several rivals. The Essence trim level can also be upgraded to all-wheel drive, which will mean getting 17mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway. Fuel economy estimates remain consistent for the entire lineup.

The exterior of the 2022 Enclave Essence shows off 18-inch aluminum wheels. If buyers prefer, there are also 20-inch chrome wheels and 20-inch Midnight Silver-painted aluminum wheels. An 18-inch steel spare wheel is included. Buyers will also find that there is deep-tinted glass. Not only does this look great, but it helps keep the interior of the vehicle cool and protects the upholstery. It enhances the privacy of the Enclave's occupants as well.

Many of the exterior features are intended to add convenience rather than improve the appearance. Automatic on and off headlights are included, for example, plus heated side mirrors. Adding to the overall luxury of the Enclave Essence is the hands-free programmable power liftgate with LED logo protection. Drivers can program the liftgate to only open to a certain height in order to make it easier for them to close.

LED headlights are included, as well as automatic high beams. Further illuminating this trim level are LED daytime running lights. A rear spoiler is standard, and all models have roof-mounted side rails. Roof rack cross rails are available for the Essence trim. Exclusive to this model is also the Sport Touring Edition package, which includes 20-inch aluminum wheels, specialized liftgate badging, and a unique sport grille.

The interior of the 2022 Enclave Essense goes a long way toward earning its luxury status. Heated front seats are standard, along with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. The upholstery includes perforated leather trim. Tri-zone automatic climate control is also standard, and there are rear climate controls so back passengers can find a temperature and airflow that works for them. The driver's seat has an eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger can play with six-way power adjustment until they are comfortable.

An impressive cargo capacity is one of the biggest reasons drivers will choose the 2022 Enclave. There are 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.6 cubic feet behind the first row. These numbers are considerably higher than many rivals. The Essence trim level also comes with underfloor storage for stashing valuables. Available for this entry-level model are extras like a retractable cargo shade and a vertical cargo net.

Technology features are also a major draw of the Essence trim level. A Wi-Fi hotspot is standard, plus wireless device charging. Further reducing the amount of clutter inside the Enclave are the wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which run on an 8-inch touchscreen. Another standard feature here is the universal garage door opener, which drivers can also choose to program to work with their compatible security system.

A six-speaker sound system and a satellite radio trial are both included for the Enclave Essence. A premium 10-speaker system from Bose is also available. Remote start, proximity keyless entry, and a push-button start are all high-tech features that add to the convenience of this SUV.

Another area that the Enclave Essence shines in would be the standard safety equipment. As of 2022, all models are equipped with forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Front and rear parking sensors are also thrown in, plus a safety alert seat that will vibrate in order to get the driver's attention when a potential problem is detected.

Also included for the entry-level trim is an HD rear vision camera and a tire pressure monitoring system. It can tell the driver which tire or tires are low, making it easier to get back on the road again. Teen Driver, a program designed to give parents more control when their teenager hits the road, is included as well.

Buyers have the option of adding the Technology package to the Essence. It includes adaptive cruise control, rear pedestrian alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Also found within the package is an HD surround vision camera system and a washer for the rearview camera.

In the middle of the Enclave trim list is the Premium model. It, too, comes standard with front-wheel drive but is eligible for an upgrade to an all-wheel drive. It has a starting price that is exactly $7,000 higher than the entry-level Essence.

How does the Premium trim level justify this significant price jump? The wheels stay the same, but this model does upgrade to power-folding side mirrors with an auto-dimming function for the driver's side. It also adds what Buick calls the Memory Package, which has memory settings for the side mirrors, steering column, and driver's seat positioning.

There are several other significant upgrades to the cabin as well, including ventilated front seats and heated outboard second-row seats. Power-folding third-row seats help the Enclave Premium become more versatile. There is also a household-style power outlet added to this trim level to further add to its convenience when on the road.

For the Essence trim, a simple 4.2-inch diagonal color driver information display is standard. The Premium trim level upgrades this to an 8-inch option instead. It is completely reconfigurable, making it easy for drivers to find what they are looking for quickly.

This trim level has the 10-speaker Bose sound system on its standard equipment list. It also adds a head-up display, which puts the info that the driver needs directly into their line of sight. The intention of this feature is to cut down on driver distraction, keeping everyone safer on the road.

There are two other significant safety upgrades to be found on the Premium trim level, starting with the digital rearview mirror. This feature displays a video feed of what is behind the Enclave on the rearview mirror, which comes in handy when the cargo area is loaded. Not every driver likes this feature, which is why Buick makes it easy to turn it on and off. The Premium trim level also gets the surround-view camera system standard.

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

The Avenir is the crown jewel of the Buick Enclave family. It costs approximately $5,000 more than the mid-tier Premium model. All-wheel drive remains an optional rather than standard feature here, and the powertrain remains identical to the two trims that came before it.

This is the only model that comes standard with 20-inch wheels. The standard finish for these wheels is "Avenir Pearl Nickel," but drivers can choose to switch this for chrome if they prefer. Another exclusive touch for this top trim level is the rain-sensing windshield wipers.

On the inside, very observant shoppers will notice embroidered carpets in the first row. Easier to see is the standard sunroof gained by going with the Avenir trim level. This model is also home to an integrated navigation system. It is the only trim level that automatically gets adaptive cruise control as well.

If buyers are willing to spend even more on their 2022 Enclave, the Avenir has a technology package. It includes LED headlamps with a special design, plus a premium suspension with hydraulic dampers and steering calibration. The setup adjusts damping forces every two milliseconds, which theoretically gives the Enclave an incredibly smooth ride.

Several features that were available for the entry-level Essence remain merely optional for the top Avenir trim level. The list includes the vertical cargo net, the cargo shade, and the roof rack cross rails. All three of the trim levels are also available with an interior protection package that includes all-weather floor mats and an all-weather cargo floor.

Final Thoughts

It is easy to go over budget when shopping for the 2022 Buick Enclave, due to the rapidly climbing initial price and the number of available packages. That is why most shoppers will want to stick with the entry-level Essence. Thanks to the updates made for this model year, this trim level is more value-packed than ever.

A decent case can be made for the Premium trim, especially if things like a head-up display and surround-view camera system are a priority. Most buyers will not want to pay $7,000 more for a few extra features, however. The same is true of the top Avenir trim. It adds a few nice touches, but not enough for most people to be willing to pay its hefty price tag.

Drivers will want to stick with the entry-level 2022 Buick Enclave Essence. It comes with a long list of standard features and a more reasonable starting price.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Buick Enclave Trime Levels