Over the years, Buick has consistently ranked among the leaders in owner satisfaction.
This is a testament to Buick’s commitment to producing high-quality vehicles that are reliable and enjoyable to drive. The American automaker is also focused on developing crossovers that appeal to a wide range of different buyers.
Let’s check out Buick’s 2018 SUV lineup.
2018 Buick Enclave
A lot of notable improvements were made to the 2018 Buick Enclave. Not only does this three-row crossover pack more power, but it also benefits from a greater number of standard features. For good reason, some car reviewers consider the new Enclave to be the best midsize crossover on the market. It’s stylish, comfortable, and safe. While the all-new Enclave’s sportier appearance makes it more appealing to younger buyers, everyone will enjoy its plush interior. With the ability to seat up to seven people, the Enclave is a great choice for big families. Even adults can comfortably fit in the Enclave’s roomy third row. Some of the standard equipment includes an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot, and a rearview camera. While several advanced safety features are available, a lot of people will be interested in the high-resolution Rear Camera Mirror. It does a great job of eliminating dangerous blind spots.
Under the hood sits a 3.6-liter, V6 engine. Buick tuned it to develop a more formidable 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission helps the new Enclave to feel noticeably quicker than the previous model. The extra muscle also enables the crossover to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy stands at 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While an FWD setup comes standard, and AWD system is available as an option. As expected, ride comfort is outstanding. It seems the crossover’s only major weakness is its inability to tackle rough terrain. Prices for the new Enclave start at a competitive $39,995.
2018 Buick Encore
The 2018 Buick Encore is sized just right for the city. A compact design enables the small crossover to easily fit into tight spots. Expect to pay around $23,000 for the base model. Although the Encore is slightly more expensive than some rivals, it still proves to be a strong value.
Expect to be very impressed with the Encore’s interior quality. Excellent seat comfort and a whisper-quiet ride make this crossover a good option for everyday commuting. Despite the Encore’s small stature, it offers enough room for up to five people. This is a major benefit for the drivers who need to accommodate their family. No one will complain about its list of standard features. Unlike most of the competition, the Enclave provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim. GM’s Teen Driver technology provides parents with a detailed report on their teen’s driving habits. Forward collision warning and a more entertaining Bose sound system are found on the top-of-the-line Premium trim.
Don’t expect to be blown away by the Encore’s performance. However, you will be rewarded with good gas mileage. The EPA rates the Encore to deliver 27 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway. It comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which develops 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. If you desire a bit more responsiveness, step up to the upgraded turbocharged engine. It pumps out 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. In terms of handling, the Encore feels nimble and composed. Available as an option, Buick’s Active On-Demand AWD system delivers great traction without sacrificing much fuel economy.
2018 Buick Envision
From a standpoint of size, the 2018 Buick Envision fills the gap between the midsize Enclave and the subcompact Encore. There’s definitely plenty of passenger space on the inside. It’s a perfect fit for a family of five. Prices start at around $35,000, which is a bit pricier than compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to enjoy a more luxurious driving experience. The cabin has a remarkably calm and serene atmosphere. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power tailgate, and dual-zone climate control all come standard. Of course, you’ll also receive a Wi-Fi hot spot and Buick’s touchscreen interface. Some of the available safety innovations include blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera.
Buick gives you two different engines to choose from. The standard power source is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine. Regarding fuel economy, anticipate getting around 22 mpg in urban areas and up to 29 on the open road. While the base engine’s output is adequate, the optional turbocharged engine greatly enhances performance. It churns out a stout 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds, the turbocharged Envision can easily keep pace with its pricier European rivals. Although the Envision isn’t the sportiest crossover in the class, it’s very easy to drive. Furthermore, a cushy ride makes the Envision a great vehicle for long-distance traveling.
2018 Regal TourX
The 2018 Regal TourX is perfect for the families who enjoy an active lifestyle. Although the TourX has the look of a wagon, a slightly raised suspension makes it more suitable for traveling in the snow and on dirt roads. There’s a wealth of space on the inside. Whether riding up front or sitting in the rear, your passengers will have ample legroom. You can also take advantage of the TourX’s nearly 33 cubic feet of cargo space. From travel bags to camping gear, a lot of stuff can be stored in the back. To ensure easier loading, Buick includes a hands-free liftgate on every trim.
For $29,000, you can get the well-equipped base model. Some of the standard goodies include a Bose sound system, onboard Wi-Fi, and smartphone integration. Meanwhile, blind-spot monitoring is available on the mid-level Preferred trim. If you want to further enhance your safety on the road, opt for the range-topping Essence trim’s Driver Confidence 2 package. It provides helpful driving aids such as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.
The new TourX is quite fun to drive. A gutsy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine comes standard. It manages to develop a healthy 250 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Test drivers were impressed by the preciseness of the crossover’s eight-speed automatic transmission. When you step on the gas, the TourX hustles to 60 mph in a brisk 6.3 seconds. Fuel economy is also quite impressive. Drivers can anticipate getting a combined 24 mpg on premium gas. Car-like handling is also another one of this crossover’s great qualities. Whether you’re quickly changing lanes on the interstate or taking a sharp curve, the TourX’s balanced driving dynamics will inspire you with confidence. An advanced AWD system comes standard.