DecodedCars2018 Buick Enclave
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 204.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,361–4,614 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Buick Enclave is a standard SUV offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 204 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 121-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,614 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 8% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2018
- New body dimensions: 2.3 in longer, wheelbase +2.0 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Best combined MPG up from 18 to 21
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Enclave →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 204.3 in | 78.7 in | 70.1 in | 120.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,614 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 204.3 in | 78.7 in | 70.1 in | 120.9 in | 67.3 / 66.9 in | 4,361 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enclave FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 416 |
| Enclave AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 446 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Enclave SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15% |
| 2018 Buick Enclave SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Buick Enclave (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 GMC Yukon | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Expedition | 20 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Buick Enclave.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Buick Enclave is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Buick Enclave buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Service Brakes — 20 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 15 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Buick Enclave. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Enclave years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Enclave | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Enclave | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 Enclave | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 38 |
| 2024 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 7 |
| 2023 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 22 |
| 2022 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 14 |
| 2021 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 26 |
| 2020 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 61 |
| 2019 Enclave | 21 | 204.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 44 |
| 2017 Enclave | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 3 | 179 |
| 2016 Enclave | 18 | 202 in | Not rated | 4 | 141 |
| 2015 Enclave | 19 | 202 in | Not rated | 5 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Buick. How we calculate this →