The 2021 Buick Enclave lasts around 200,000 miles, with some relatively minor brake wear and windshield issues reported. At $28,300 to $44,550, it’s a decent value for a practical midsize SUV with a nice interior.
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Buick Enclave since it offers some luxury features and a comfortable cabin. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, stereo system, along with the standard V6 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are fairly nice for an SUV, the seats offer great support on long drives, cargo space is also very good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Enclave. Avoid models from 2018 which have some engine issues, while 2019–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is reasonable from the V6 engine, although it’s not particularly fast or exciting to drive.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Enclave is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 21 MPG, giving 407 miles of range from the 19.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $3 higher than average, at $223 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Buick Enclave is cheaper than many other SUVs, but higher depreciation rates lower its overall value score.
What Do Critics Say About the Buick Enclave?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Buick Enclave is a strong entry for the midsize luxury SUV segment, with decent owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Buick Enclave at 3.9/5, enjoying the standard technology features, but doesn’t like that it’s not as efficient as other V6 models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Enclave a 4.4/5, praising the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like that you can’t turn off the engine start/stop system.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Buick Enclave Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Buick Enclave include excessive brake wear, cracked windshields, and some check engine lights. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs from the same year, leading to average repair costs as an Enclave ages.
Excessive brake wear is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Enclave owners, showing up at around 15,000 miles. The front brake pads tend to wear down quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out the brake pads costs around $125, while it’s an additional $400 if the rotors are damaged.
Cracked windshields are another problem mentioned by Enclave owners. There are some production runs of windshield glass, which are weaker than others, and more prone to cracking with stone chips. Changing out the windshield costs about $650, depending on local labor rates.
Check engine lights have also been reported on Enclave models within the first 20,000 miles. If you get a check engine light, you will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the ECU. Once you know the source of the problem, repairing it can cost $25 to $600.
The 2021 Buick Enclave has two recalls, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. Both of the recalls cover the air bags, which Buick will replace for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Buick Enclave Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Buick Enclave can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $435 per year.
As a used 2021 Buick Enclave reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition switch for $125, transmission shift cable costing $250, along with the coolant temperature sensor, which costs $520.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and features an 8-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic, and only includes a rearview camera and rear parking sensors.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear camera mirror
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Enhanced automatic braking
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Following distance indicator
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2021 Buick Enclave a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Buick Enclave is a good value since it offers a decent amount of technology, and a nice interior for the price. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,300 to $44,550, making it less than a Subaru Outback or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $40,300 to $56,300. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Buick Enclave?
There are four main models of the Buick Enclave offered from the entry-level Preferred to the more luxurious Avenir. Front-wheel drive is standard on all models, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Preferred is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 8-inch touch screen
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six USB ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Proximity keyless entry
- Remote start
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
Essence is a step up, adding:
- All-wheel drive availability
- Leather-appointed first and second-row seats
- In-vehicle air filter
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Satellite radio
- Lane-change assist
- Optional navigation system
- Available 10-speaker Bose stereo
- Optional rear camera mirror
- Available surround-view parking camera system
- Optional rear-seat infotainment system
- Optional DVD player
Premium offers more features such as:
- Heated and power-adjustable steering wheel
- Massaging and ventilated front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seats
- 10-speaker Bose stereo with HD Radio
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane-departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Following distance indicator
- Optional navigation and power moonroof
- Available rear-seat infotainment system
- Optional DVD player
Avenir is the flagship model, which has:
- Includes all features from lower trims
- Wireless device charging
- Wood-trimmed steering wheel
- 8-inch digital driver display
- Enhanced automatic braking (Avenir Technology package)
- Adaptive cruise control (Avenir Technology package)
- Retuned chassis and suspension (Avenir Technology package)
- Sunroof
- Navigation system
- Digital rearview mirror
- Surround-view camera system
- Steering wheel with wood accents
- Optional adaptive suspension
- Optional adaptive cruise control
What Engines Come In the Buick Enclave?
The Buick Enclave comes with a single engine option across its various trims. It features a 3.6-liter V6 engine, which delivers a robust 310 horsepower. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The combined fuel economy for this engine is rated at 21 MPG, balancing performance with efficiency. In terms of acceleration, the Enclave’s 3.6-liter V6 engine allows it to sprint from 0-60 MPH in about 6.5 seconds, providing brisk and responsive performance for a vehicle of its size.
What Colors Does the Buick Enclave Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Buick Enclave?
The 2021 Buick Enclave excels in providing a high level of comfort, making it an ideal choice for both short commutes and long road trips. The cabin of the Enclave is designed with luxury and passenger comfort in mind. It features plush seating upholstered in high-quality materials, with ample room to accommodate up to seven passengers. The front seats are particularly noteworthy, offering power adjustments, heating, and ventilation options, providing comfort in various weather conditions. The second-row passengers enjoy spacious captain’s chairs that provide ample legroom and easy access to the third row. This third row, while more suited for children or smaller adults on longer trips, still provides adequate space for full-sized adults on shorter journeys.
In terms of ride quality, the 2021 Enclave is engineered to deliver a smooth and serene driving experience. It’s equipped with a suspension system that adeptly absorbs road imperfections, preventing most bumps and jolts from disturbing the cabin’s tranquility. The vehicle’s noise insulation is also exceptional, with an active noise cancellation system that effectively minimizes road and wind noise, contributing to a peaceful and quiet interior ambiance. This makes the Enclave an ideal vehicle for those who value a calm and undisturbed driving environment.
Moreover, the Enclave’s climate control system is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, with tri-zone automatic climate control allowing different temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The overall interior design, with its ergonomic layout and user-friendly controls, enhances the comfort and ease of use, making the 2021 Buick Enclave a top contender in its class for those prioritizing comfort and luxury in their driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Buick Enclave Have?
The 2021 Buick Enclave is a spacious SUV designed with ample storage space to cater to a variety of needs. It offers a generous cargo area with a total of 97.6 cubic feet when both the second and third-row seats are folded down. This sizable space is more than adequate to accommodate large items like furniture pieces, several large suitcases, or outdoor equipment such as bikes and camping gear. Even with the third-row seats up, the Enclave still provides a respectable 23.6 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to handle grocery bags, several backpacks, or smaller luggage items.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Enclave also features numerous small storage solutions throughout the cabin. These include a sizable glove compartment, door pockets in all doors, a center console storage bin, and cup holders strategically placed for both front and rear passengers. These compartments are perfect for storing smaller items like smartphones, wallets, water bottles, and other personal belongings that need to be easily accessible during travel. Moreover, there’s an under-floor storage area in the rear, offering a hidden space for valuable items or to keep certain things out of sight.
Overall, the 2021 Buick Enclave stands out for its versatile storage capabilities. Whether it’s for daily commutes, family road trips, or carrying bulky items, the Enclave’s combination of a large cargo area and multiple small storage spaces makes it an ideal vehicle for both practicality and convenience.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Buick Enclave was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: No updates from previous years.
2016: OnStar improvements with 4G LTE WiFi and the Tuscan Edition was launched with exterior changes.
2017: No major changes from earlier years.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new styling, technology, and engines.
2019: Preferred model with front-wheel drive offered below the Essence.
2020: Minor changes to the individual options packages.
2021: No serious changes from earlier years.
How Does the Buick Enclave Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Buick Enclave is a decent midsize SUV since it offers good practicality paired with a reasonably nice interior for the money.
The Chevy Traverse is another SUV built by GM on the same platform, which costs about $3,500 less. Both the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse share the same base, but the Buick Enclave is more luxurious. We recommend the Buick Enclave since the extra features are worth the money.
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV which costs about $1,000 more. Passenger room is slightly better in the Ford Explorer, while the standard stereo system in the Buick Enclave is nicer. We recommend the Ford Explorer, although both are similar and worth test driving to see which you prefer.
