The 2019 Buick Enclave represents a significant moment for the brand, marking the debut of a completely redesigned platform that moved the three-row luxury SUV into a new era. This model year offered buyers a compelling blend of upscale materials, refined performance, and advanced technology that set it apart in the crowded mid-size segment. Understanding the specific 2019 Buick Enclave configurations requires looking at how the hierarchy was structured to deliver distinct experiences.
Overview of the Second Generation
Unlike its predecessor, the 2019 Enclave was built on a new GM Lambda platform, shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, but significantly enhanced for Buick's standards. This new foundation resulted in a quieter cabin, more rigid body structure, and improved handling dynamics. The design language shifted to feature Buick's signature waterfall grille and sleeker lines, giving the vehicle a more sophisticated and contemporary appearance compared to the boxier first generation. This generational shift is the foundation upon which the 2019 trims were built.
The Base Preferred Trims
The entry point for the 2019 model year was occupied by the Preferred trim, which was available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. This trim level was designed to provide essential luxury and safety without the premium price tag, making the Enclave more accessible. Key features included eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, and a power liftgate. The interior offered tri-tone seating surfaces, a standard backup camera, and Buick's user-friendly IntelliLink infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen.
Mid-Level Leather and Luxury
Stepping up from the base, the Preferred trim evolved into the more luxurious Essence trims for 2019, which became the popular choice for many buyers. Moving from the Preferred to the Essence involved a significant upgrade in materials, primarily through the extensive use of genuine leather seating surfaces. The Essence also added features like twenty-inch aluminum wheels, enhanced safety technology packages, and improved audio options. The jump in quality was immediate, providing a cabin that felt more premium and aligned closely with Buick's luxury identity.
Top-Tier Performance and Capability
For those seeking the pinnacle of the 2019 lineup, the Avenir trim stood as the ultimate expression of the Enclave. This top-tier configuration was visually distinguished by a unique chrome grille, twenty-one-inch polished aluminum wheels, and exclusive badging. The Avenir focused on performance and capability, featuring a more powerful twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivered robust power and towing capacity. The interior was bolstered with premium leather, heated front and second-row seats, and an advanced suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
Engine and Drivetrain Options
Powering the 2019 Buick Enclave was a choice between two engines, catering to different buyer needs. The standard option was a reliable 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower, which provided ample power for daily driving and family hauling. The more powerful 3.6-liter turbocharged V6, found in the Avenir trim, boosted output to 400 horsepower and 416 lb-ft of torque. This potent combination was mated exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission and available intelligent all-wheel drive, ensuring confident acceleration and stability in various driving conditions.
Technology and Safety Features
Across most trims, the 2019 Enclave came well-equipped with modern technology and safety features that were competitive within its class. The infotainment system featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity. Advanced safety became more prominent in the upper trims, with the Avenir offering a comprehensive suite that included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. Even the base trims included essential safety features like lane-departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, demonstrating Buick's commitment to occupient protection.
